Instruments Of Peace – Our Daily Bread ODB Devotional 21 November 2020
Instruments of Peace
By Bill Crowder for ODB
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Read: James 3:13β18
Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 16β17; James 3
When World War I erupted in 1914, British statesman Sir Edward Grey declared, βThe lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.β Grey was right. When the βwar to end all warsβ finally ended, some 20 million had been killed (10 million of them civilians) and another 21 million injured.
While not on the same scale or magnitude, devastation can also occur in our personal lives. Our home, workplace, church, or neighborhood can also be shrouded by the dark specter of conflict. This is one of the reasons God calls us to be difference-makers in the world. But to do so we must rely on His wisdom. The apostle James wrote, βThe wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousnessβ (James 3:17β18).
The role of peacemaker is significant because of its harvest. The word righteousness means βright standingβ or βright relationship.β Peacemakers can help restore relationships. No wonder Jesus said, βBlessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of Godβ (Matthew 5:9). His children, relying on His wisdom, become instruments of His peace where itβs needed most.
In what personal conflicts do you need the light of Godβs wisdom? How can His peace enable you to be a peacemaker when people around you choose to fight?
Father, Your light penetrates the deepest darkness and Your peace calms the most troubled heart. Help me know Your wisdom and peace and carry it to others in their struggles as well.
Insight
James 3 demonstrates why the label βthe Proverbs of the New Testamentβ fits the book of James. For example, both books share the common themes of speech and wisdom. James 3:5β12 describes the power of the tongue and its potential for destruction (see Proverbs 10:19β20, 31; 15:2, 4).
James 3:13β18 turns the readersβ attention to wisdom and matters of the heart: βBut if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truthβ (v. 14). The characteristics of earthly or demonic βwisdomβ in verses 15β16βenvy, selfish ambition, disorder, evil practicesβare contrasted with the virtuous qualities of true wisdom from God, which is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, impartial, and sincere (v. 17). The importance of wisdom can also be seen in Proverbs 1:7; 3:13β18; 4:6β7; 14:8; and 29:11.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: @hottestnaijadotcom
Twitter: @wherehot
Instagram: @hottest9jablog
Disclaimer: This post contains links by our advertisers. Presence of such links does not warrant endorsements by HottestNaija. Your use of their services, is subject to their terms of service.
Click here to take a look at our posts on gospel music download
or click this link to see all posts that include gospel music lyrics
You may also like our gospel worship songs page which contains, the best, coolest and hottest Nigerian Gospel Songs, and Foreign Gospel Songs. Whatsoever is the mood, we’ve got you covered.
Do you feel like dancing, rejoicing, shouting, screaming, or you’re filled with jubilation because of the Mighty things the Lord has done? Then look no further, cos our gospel praise songs page, containing the hottest Nigerian and foreign praise songs collection, was prepared specifically for you.
Peradventure you need the lyrics of the songs you are downloading now, just downloaded, or have downloaded before, our lyrics page is the best place to look. What more could be more helpful and entertaining than seeing the lyrics of your most favourite song before you, as the music unfolds unto the climax. Hey we’ve been there before, and still encounter it from time to time when the vocals get lost in the cloud of heavy orchestration.
Are You a Classical Music lover, our classical music page, contains the best of classical songs, composed and written by composers like G. F Handel, Bach, Joseph Haydn, etc.
As you listen to your best gospel song, you may also want to get some more insight and knowledge about the word of God, from eBooks written by God’s servants, or you may want to learn something new or build yourself up in some way. Then our eBook Page is the right place to look.
You may be in need of entertainment, and probably want to watch a video too. We understand that as well. You can get entertaining music videos from our videos page.