James 3:18

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

People who focus on worldly goods plant and reap a harvest focused on what is best for themselves and their gain. This means that in each interaction they fight for every seed and every inch of ground. Their life is a competition, a battle, a quest. We are taught that this is the way of the world.

Being raised in this culture, one might think that focusing on what the other person wants instead of oneself is somehow weak or a loss of what we might need ourselves. While not completely wrong this is incomplete and frankly exhausting. Both approaches and outcomes are incomplete and therefore lead to conflict. One leads to external conflict and the other internal.

People who focus on the Good News that Jesus has shared with us focus on God’s view. Reflecting on what others need does not mean we give everything away depriving ourselves. It does not mean that we are weak. Focusing on God’s kingdom includes providing for all which includes us as well. Those that can hold this in their heart are at peace. It is a source of wealth to be harvested. It is a rock on which one can stand. It is a path that provides peace to yourself and those around you. It is a harvest so vast that it is not just about food or money. It is a source so deep and so secure that it is beyond measure and comprehension.

A peacemaker is one who feels no reason to do battle. It is not cowardice or fear. It is humility and confidence that the love of God does and will guide all. The harvest of being at one with God is peace for yourself and all those you encounter.

People think that if an opponent strikes and they do not strike back that they will lose. They think there is a vacuum that needs to be filled. They think that they must act, protect, and fill the void. But just because a dog barks does not mean we must bite. If God is all then there is no void. If God is with me and in me then I am filled. If this is my confidence, my rock and foundation then what do I have to lose? It is not my job to attack, and I do not need to defend myself against other’s beliefs. I do not need more.

Peace comes from knowing God is with us. Making peace comes from sharing the love of God with others and knowing that our basket is never empty. Our well will not run dry.

Please pray with me today. Father, with you at my side and in my heart, let me know peace and be at one with you always. As I stand on your stone may no waves cause me to fear that I may lose my footing. With the peace of knowing that you provide all, may I share this harvest with each person I encounter, Amen.

This devotion was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

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