“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” James 3:18.
Do you struggle with finding peace? Are you anxious? Do you find yourself in conflict with others?
There is a way to live a life of peace. God’s Word gives us instruction, a formula if you will, for cultivating peace in our life!
So what exactly is the instruction? What is James trying to tell us?
Let me break down this verse for you. Lets start by looking at the Greek to understand what each word means.
The fruit – deed, action, result
of righteousness – justice, justness, righteousness of which God is the author, divine righteousness
peace – peace of mind, in the Hebraistic sense of the health welfare of an individual
is sown – to sow spread, scatter
making – to make, construct, manufacture
If we put the definitions together to create a complete sentence, we have a more clear understanding of what is being said in the text.
Here is what James is saying:
“The deed, action, and result of justice, justness and righteousness of which God is the source or author is spread and scattered in peace of mind, health, and welfare by those who make, construct, or manufacture peace, peace of mind, health and welfare.”
You and I are carpenters. We can construct and manufacture peace. It seems that God gives peace to those who develop and build peace.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:18, “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.”
In 1 Thessalonians 5:13 he says, “be at peace among yourselves.”
Jesus tells us in the sermon on the mount, in Matt. 5:9, “blessed are the peacemakers.”
Are you a maker of peace? Picture yourself as a carpenter working to make peace. You can do it. If you are a born again believer the Holy Spirit dwells within you, empowering you to walk in the spirit. We as believers are called to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. So, go out and make peace!
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