Are you looking for peace in a harsh hard world? It seems that the world is always at war. Social media is in large part violent with a pitchfork mob roaming the digital waves looking for someone they can roast. Our own personal lives are impacted by people around us who do not want peace at all. Peace, biblical peace, is possible and the book of James talks about peace on the other side of wisdom. If you want peace in your life it is possible to obtain.

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:18 ESV

The Path to Peace

If peace is work and righteousness is the result then there is a path forward in the mess of a disordered life. If your life is full of conflict there is an unrighteousness that makes up who you are. I know that is a hard truth to hear but dear reader this problem can be solved. James lays out a path that leads to righteousness. A path of wisdom, peace, and righteousness.

Wisdom

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 ESV

Wisdom is available to those who ask for it. James opens his letter… “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” You will not find wisdom in the world. Eve tried that when she ate of the fruit in the garden. She tried to gain wisdom apart from God and it brought death and trouble. She did not walk in the way of wisdom, peace, and righteousness.

In order to have peace you must recognize Christ and seek the Father above for his wisdom. It is the first step.

Peace

What does James mean when he says we must “make peace?” Peace is not passive. It must be sown and cultivated with Godly wisdom. If we survey peace in the New Testament, we find a couple of ways that peace is made.

Peace is made through Faith

Peace comes by trusting and having faith in Christ. Making biblical peace is in the intentional following where Christ leads and trusting him. This is a natural outflow of wisdom as well. Wisdom from God is acted out in daily life that makes better choices. Mercy flows from God himself. Is there no better command from God than “go in peace.” When you put faith in Christ first this is a major step in making peace a reality.

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” Luke 8:46-48 ESV

Peace is made through Boundaries

There are some situations that are not acceptable and removing yourself from the situation is the only peaceable path forward. Some people are so corrupted that they will not accept peace with anyone. This may even be a family member. Do not be afraid to place boundaries to guard from disorder and sin. Just as nations have walls and armies to protect from invasion so we must also seek God’s wisdom on how and when to separate from the unrighteous.

As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Matthew 10:12-14 ESV

Peace after Division

The flip side of a command to go in peace from God is that the chance for peace with God has passed. Worse yet God sends division on purpose because of unrighteousness. Biblical peace is something obtained by seeking God. Not making peace with God makes you an enemy to him and eventually there will be war.

And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side Luke 19:41-43 ESV

In Luke we read a prayer of weeping that Jesus made over Jerusalem. If only they had know the things that make for peace. But peace was hidden from them because they refused to make peace with God.

Don’t Record all Wrongs

What are the things that make peace with God and with men? Wisdom from God. Faith in Christ. And then one more step in the art of making peace. Trust God to avenge when you are wronged. Many a Christian live an unholy life because they are keeping a record of wrongs.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:17-19 ESV

My prayer is that ss God has forgiven me I forgive the one who is not at peace with me. For the part that depends on me because I am prepared to be peaceable. I will have boundaries for those who abuse me. Dear reader you can go to God right now and in faith ask him for help. He may send you on your way in peace.