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Sow in peace (James 3:17-18)


Scripture of the Day: James 3:17-18

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Have you ever seen the film Miss Congeniality with Sandra Bullock? An FBI agent under the alias of Gracie Lou Freebush becomes a contestant in the Miss America Pageant. As part of the interview portion of the competition, most contestants respond that they wish for “world peace,” and the FBI agent mocks them behind their back for this – yet at the end of the film, she says, “I do really want world peace.” It’s humorous, but also touching and always makes me think more about the feasibility of that concept of world peace.

Let’s take a step back from world peace arena and look at peace in our homes. Although on a much smaller scale, that is the peace we have more control over. God tells us that the wisdom from heaven is peace-loving and that “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” How peaceful is your home?

Mine isn't usually very peaceful! The mantra of my life is becoming, “I have a two-year old,” as if that explains everything. When I say that, my unspoken words are, “He throws temper tantrums, always wants his way, has boundless energy, and sometimes drives me crazy.” [Please note that although I feel that way, I love that little man more than I could ever explain to you and to coincide with those negative things above I could list about a thousand positives :).] But regardless, “peaceful,” is not a word that typically describes my home. And unfortunately, as a result of his actions or words, I do not always “sow in peace.” I sometimes lose my patience with my little guy. I get frustrated and occasionally feel like I am at my wits end. That usually results in me raising my voice, or asking unreasonable questions (my 2 year old cannot really tell me the motive behind his actions because I’m pretty sure most of the time he just “does”). 

Earlier in James, it states "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." So if the Word says the wisdom from heaven is peace-loving and that raising our children as "peacemakers" results in a harvest of righteousness, we better ask for that wisdom! That my friends, can only come through prayer and some daily time spent with the Lord. If we ask Him for wisdom (and patience and growing love for your children and, and and...!) I am confident he will help us so that our homes (and hearts) may be a little more peaceful and we can raise our children the way God wants us to.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father God, please give me the wisdom to raise my son in a peaceful home. Give me patience and kind words instead of frustration. Help me be a peacemaker. Help me raise him so that he really is a harvest of righteousness for You! I ask these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

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