Peace-loving Wisdom

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. James 3:17 BSB

As we continue seeking Wisdom with understanding, we look at the 3rd characteristic mentioned by James in verse 17, wisdom is peace-loving or peaceable. James shifts the practical application of wisdom toward relationships. Wisdom goes beyond storing up knowledge or the how-to do something, toward navigating harmony in relationships.

My small grandchildren play with a wooden train set which has magnets on both ends to all the cars to connect with one another. When facing in the right direction the magnets attract and pull the car behind it. When facing backwards, the pieces repel each other. We watch as the child learns to make adjustments so that the train makes a longer connection of the cars.

There is a way for the pieces to “connect relationally” with one another, but adjustments have to be made. The pieces were designed to fit together and so are we. Paul said, “as much as it is possible, live at peace with one another”. Don’t stop pursuing peace at home, work, or wherever you are in relationships. Keep making adjustments, like you were designed.

During the summer of 1981, I had the opportunity to serve as a summer missionary in Lake Placid, New York, a year after the Winter Olympics. At one point, I needed some help with a relationship issue, so I asked Carmen, our house mom, if I could talk with her.  She set up an appointment a couple of days later and we met.

“Young man”, she said to me. “Before we start saying anything, I have to ask you a question. Is everything okay, between Me and Thee?”

Stunned by the question, I paused as to why she would ask. Had I done something to offend her?  I said, “Yes, I hope so, I think you are the best. You are so kind and willing to help all of us.”

She replied, “Okay! Because, we could not continue to talk about anything else if you had a problem with me. First, we make our own hearts right. Now, what would you like to talk about?”

Forty four years later, the wisdom of that interaction still impacts my conversations.

Peaceable or Peace Loving

• Wholeness – The Hebrew counterpart to this Greek word of peace is Shalom which carries the idea of wholeness. Things are at peace when everything fits together. A puzzle peace may have to be turned many times to fit with its counterparts. But once connected, it reflects the beauty of the picture it represents. Wrinkles and missing pieces reveal something is not quite right. Don’t quit pursuing wholeness.
• Reconciliatory – peaceful wisdom with understanding brings people together. Often a wise parent will tell their children, stay in this room until you work it out. There is a compromise that can be made for the kids to share, or give and take so they can move forward. Listen, Listen – we have to learn to STAY IN THE ROOM, instead of leaving so quickly. Relationships are worth finding peace to move forward.
• Pursuing peace, not conflict. Jesus said, “blessed are the peace-makers, not peaceful”. In other words, we are to be on the lookout for ways to bring peace into our relationships. If your sarcasm causes frustration with your spouse, change. Your change is pursuing peace. Where do you think YOUR change could help peace-making occur in your close relationships?
• Forgiving – At the core of forgiveness is the wiping out of a debt that is owed. Someone offends you, then you forgive them. You don’t expect them to pay you back, the offense has been canceled. You have established peace in the relationship. Should both parties forgive and make up? Yes! BUT we can only be responsible for our part, we forgive even if they don’t. It’s wiping our heart clear with the teflon coating of peace so that no bitterness can stick on our hearts.

One of the most attractive characteristics of the followers of Jesus, is the unity of peace between people that don’t look like they belong to one another. BUT the Holy Spirit fits us together into one body, with Jesus as the head.

It is fitting to close with a liturgical worship expression. “The peace of the Lord be always with you,” and the congregation responds, “And also with you.” My prayer for us today is an increased fruitfulness of peaceable wisdom for each one of our lives.

Blessings

Love y’all