Sowing Peace

James 3:13-4:12

Though the letter of James is full of exhortations and encouragement to show one's faith by one's actions, there is also this practical reminder. "And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace" (James 3:18). I say that this is practical, but in truth it only makes sense when viewed within the larger context of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace calls all disciples to set aside violence and retribution and instead to show concern and compassion. When we have let go of our desire for power or authority, when we have eschewed the use of force to promote our faith, then, says the writer of James, we may live in peace and righteousness.

The Garden of Eden was such a place, and it was through disobedience that humanity lost the opportunity to dwell there. But Jesus offers another way if we will only follow him. Take up the cross of Jesus, express peace and justice, and live as faithful followers. Then, and only then can we know a peace that the world is incapable of giving.

Prayer: O God, help us to live in your peace and to share that peace with the world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sown in Peace

James 3:12-4:12
Luke 17:11-19
I wish there was a way to convey the words of our reading from James to those in positions of leadership, especially the ones who have participated in so badly polarizing American and international politics. James already takes a dim view of “the world” (meaning, I believe, those who choose to live outside God’s covenant), but we should experience added distress when we read two verses in particular. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace” (James 3:17-18). According to James, God’s wisdom is that which leads us toward all of the blessings we find in true community: purity, peace, gentleness, willingness to yield, mercy, and good fruit. This is how God’s people are called to live, “without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.” In other words, openly, lovingly, with genuine concern for the other. And in the end those who make peace will harvest the righteousness sown in that peace.

Jesus already knew that one of the ten lepers who approached him was a Samaritan, but he healed all of them, including the foreigner (Luke 17:14). Jesus reached across many lines of division: from health to illness, from purity to uncleanliness, from the people of Israel to a foreigner. There was no attempt to exclude, berate, convert, or otherwise dismiss the Samaritan leper. In doing so he demonstrated a community built not on the normal vestiges of nation, culture, etc., but in peace and mercy, gentleness and a willingness to yield, and in a very, very real sense, purity. How blessed our lives would be if we were to follow suit and to live in peace with others, displaying the love of God for all people, and looking forward to the day when righteousness becomes the norm, not the exception.

Prayer: Lord, heal us of our sins so that we may help to share your good news and the promise of your coming kingdom with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.