But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
(James 3:17-18 NLT)
This week has been exceedingly difficult. I finally had to just turn off my news sources. It’s not that I don’t sympathize with those who are enraged by what happened to the gentlemen in Minnesota. It was horrendous. Nor is it that I don’t agree with those who maintain that violence and stealing are not forms of protest. They are crimes, no matter how angry you may be. I just reached the place where the strife and outrage, the anger and venom, the self-righteousness and blame-shifting, seemed poisonous. It hurt my heart. I pray that truth prevail.
Today is Sunday. It’s a day when we gather as the Body of Christ to extol His virtues and bask in His presence. We have the opportunity to love one another and fulfill the royal law. Lord, fill the house with peace this morning. In the acrid atmosphere of the world, let’s remember that the kingdom of which we are citizens is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. When you find your heart in some other state, you have moved. Sunday is a good day to get back to peace, inside and out. Plant a few seeds.
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