By Andrew Bolton of Leicester, England
For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
The Letter of James is important scripture for Community of Christ. When Joseph Smith, a 15-year-old farm boy, read James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let [them] ask of God…,” it led to a personal experience of Christ that began our movement. Joseph discovered that God is personal, living, revealing, loving, and called him to discipleship. There are more treasures in the Letter of James that bring insight for our peace mission today, including the passage quoted above.
Conflict, violence, and war begin in our selfish desires. Conversely, wisdom from above, what Paul calls the fruit of the Holy Spirit, is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
To seek Christ’s Spirit is to sow the seeds of peace in our hearts.
I find it helpful to imagine peace. The first act of creating Zion, a better world, begins with imagination. Unless we can imagine a more just, peaceful world, nothing changes.
The word peace in English, however, is weak. Usually, it means the absence of war or conflict, perhaps calm. However, shalom peace in Hebrew means more: justice, reconciliation, well-being, wholeness, and peace. Shalom is the word Jesus used, and we cannot talk of shalom without talking of justice. Justice is about human dignity, the equal worth of all persons, human rights for everyone. Justice includes economic justice, and there is no peace without personal and collective stewardship dedicated to all having enough. Righteousness is living a just life personally. By God’s grace, in the power of the Holy Spirit, live the worth of all persons! Live a life of godly stewardship! And shalom peace around you will flourish.
Prayer Phrase
“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Romans 13:9).
Spiritual Practice
Healing for Broken Spirits
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.