May 11th, 2005

[Bowser]

Peace Through Righteousness

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

-James 3:17-18 (NIV)

PEACE is a noble goal. But too often we find that when leaders and politicians talk about striving for peace, they mean merely the absence of war. However, peace as the Bible pictures it is much more than the absence of open conflict. Peace includes freedom from injustice.

In addition to the verse quoted above, Psalm 85:10 says, "Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other." Both passages tell us that the fruit of genuine faith in Jesus Christ is righteousness and peace, that peace grows from and builds on righteousness.

If we are truly interested in achieving peace in this world -- harmony, tranquility, and freedom from war and its ravages -- then we must pursue righteousness. Only when our hearts, minds, motives, and actions are focused on Jesus Christ will we build lasting peace.

Boris Trajkovski (President, Republic of Macedonia)*

Christ Jesus, enable us to see you with pure hearts, minds, and motives, that we may be peace-makers in this world. Amen.