I don't seem to be done with the theme for September yet -- wisdom. A book that I'm currently reading (Loving People Who are Hard to Love by Joyce Meyer) links wisdom with peace. She says:
"Humility and peace work together, and both are attributes of wisdom."
If we are wise, we will strive to be peacemakers. As Peter puts it, we must "pursue peace." How do we do this? Turn to the book of James for this advice:
"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not wisdom that comes from above .... But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." James 3:13-15; 17
This doesn't mean we need to be door mats. It does mean that we should listen respectfully to those with whom we disagree, try to understand their point of view, admit our own prejudices, and be willing to forgive when necessary. If you can do this, you will reap the reward of "a harvest of righteousness "James 3:18.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9
For more about peace see these posts:
Acceptance = Peace
Peace Is a Practice by Morgan Harper Nichols–Book Review
Peacemaker or Peacekeeper?
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