By Janne Grover, First Presidency

The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom.

As a youth growing up on a farm, my least favorite chore was walking rows of soybeans cutting out the weeds. I’m sure the only thing worse than my attitude toward the task was my reliability in completing the task. I had little understanding of methods for weed control or their impact on crops, the environment, or harvesting equipment. I only knew weeds were bad, I didn’t like them, and I certainly didn’t like being the one to take care of them.

Matthew 13:36–43 explains who is represented in the parable of the wheat and weeds. The weeds represent those who act with evil intent. We see no shortage of such examples when violence is so disturbingly present in our world. The parable talks about the righteous shining like the sun; but the reality is that some violence is carried out by persons with distorted, extremist, righteous intent. Somehow the wheat and weeds get twisted together, and separation of good and evil seems less defined.

In a current context where fear, hate, and division are so prevalent, what does it look like today, metaphorically, to let the wheat and weeds grow together? I would not suggest that we view violence and evil as accepted reality. However, it does challenge us to work more intentionally toward unity in diversity through compassionate ministry, practicing non-violence, working for justice, and living Christ’s peace in a hurting world.

Perhaps one way to start is by considering whom the weeds represent in our lives. Rather than cutting them out, how are we called to tend to them as we grow together.

Prayer Phrase

“…we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Weeding the Garden

Inner transformation can take place among daily leisure and work. Try cultivating the spiritual discipline of grace and acceptance while weeding the garden. As you pull each weed, offer a short prayer. Tug. (God remove from my heart all prejudice and fear.) Tug again. (God, keep me from judging others.) As you remove the weeds, continue praying. (Plant in my heart the seeds of your love.) If you don’t have a garden, try this transforming prayer while engaging in repetitive tasks or work today (cleaning out a closet, washing dishes, cleaning the floors, mowing the lawn).

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.