But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. – (James 3:17-18, NLT)
But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest. People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessing that comes from right living. – (James 3:17-18, ERV)
Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy. The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace. – (James 3:17-18, VOICE)
As a peacemaker, it is easy to defer to peace. However, gentleness and willingness to yield to others are not always the motivation, nor is the peace that is sought sincere. At times, it is instead a way to keep things calm, rather than deal with conflict, with wisdom and the intent to help being absent. Our motivation matters. Is our pursuit of peace to please God, or ourselves? We need the Lord’s wisdom and guidance to gain His grace to sincerely seek His peace, which reaps a harvest of righteousness. May we be a people who passionately pursue God’s peace with all others, through His wisdom and grace. Let us be merciful and sincere, as His gentleness leads us to love as He so graciously loves each of us.
Let us seek wisdom,
That is true and pure;
For that from the Lord,
Is steadfast, secure.
For from God alone,
Is how peace is found;
His mercy and grace,
To seekers, abound.
May we choose to plant,
Wherever we go;
Seeds of the Lord’s peace,
So His grace shall show.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that wisdom from You is pure, peaceful, gentle and pleasing. Thank You that when we seek Your wisdom and peace, we are prepared and equipped to help those around us. Thank You that when we seek Your peace, peace and righteousness are what we find. Forgive us for wanting peace at any price, rather than seeking You and Your wisdom as to how we can be peacemakers in the midst of whatever we are facing. Teach us to trust You more, as You alone can bring calm in our chaos and peace in our storms. Show us how to love others in such a way, that we too may be peacemakers in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we go forth in Your peace and wisdom, sharing the goodness and grace that You alone provide for us to give. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28
Revelations In Writing 