"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
- James 3:17-18
"But the wisdom from above is...peaceable..."
Welcome to Day Two!
Children of God Most High, we have been reconciled to God by grace (2 Cor. 5:18-21).
Since we have been freed from the pollution of reigning sin, let us strive to live peaceably, peacefully, and free from worry. The fights and quarrels of selfish ambition that manifest pride reveal the influences of the flesh (4:1-3), the world (4:4), and the Devil (4:7). The spiritual warfare we are called to wage is the call to persevere in the peace that flows from purity. As Thomas Manton wrote, “By faith we are united to Christ, and by love we are united to one another; we should take care not to break either bond.” (see also WCF XXVI.i-ii).
The hymn writer Isaac Watts penned “Blest Are the Undefiled” by musing over Psalm 119:1 as a way of viewing James 3:17.
Blest are the undefiled in heart,
whose ways are right and clean,
who never from the law depart,
but fly from ev’ry sin.
Blest are the men who keep thy Word
and practice thy commands;
with their whole heart they seek the Lord,
and serve thee with their hands.
Great is their peace who love thy law;
how firm their souls abide!
nor can a bold temptation draw
their steady feet aside.
Then shall my heart have inward joy,
and keep my face from shame,
when all thy statutes I obey,
and honor all thy Name.
May the Lord of Peace grant you peace at all times and in every way (2 Thess. 3:16) as you pursue peace with men (Rom. 12:18).
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