Sowing Seeds of Peace

May 1, 2018

DAILY READING

Psalm 80
James 3:17-18
This weekend’s reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

FIELD NOTES

Looking at this world, listening to the news or reading social media posts, it’s pretty evident that peace is in short supply. Do you ever wonder why human beings can’t seem to behave decently toward one another?

The writer of James gives us a clue how we can help bring peace to this troubled world. Check out verse 18 in several translations below for clues:

“Those who make peace sow the seeds of justice by their peaceful acts.” (Common English Bible)

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” (New International Version)

“And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.” (New Living Translation)

“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for (or by) those who make peace.” (New Revised Standard Version)

“You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.” (The Message)

Justice, peaceful acts, righteousness, goodness, getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor — these are the ingredients of peace.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What is the relationship between justice and peace?
• What are some “peaceful acts” you could sow in the world today?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• The Bible tells us that we should get along with each other and treat other people kindly. What are some ways you can get along with your family members and friends today?

PRAYER GUIDE 

Lord, show us how we can contribute to making your world a more peaceful place. Show us the specific “seeds of justice” you would have us sow. Amen.