The Fruit of Righteousness James 3:18

James exhorted his readers concerning not having “bitter envying and strife” in their hearts. They were to understand this manner of living did not come from “above” but was “earthly, sensual and devilish”. He added that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy”, and in chapter three and verse eighteen of his letter, James shared concerning “the fruit of righteousness”.

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

The verse begins, “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace...” James began with the words, “And the fruit” or “that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result, work, act or deed” “of righteousness” which means “state of him who is as he ought to be and the condition acceptable to God” “is sown” or “scattered like seed” “in peace” which refers to “harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity and felicity”. James told his readers “the condition which is acceptable to God” is initiated by scattering peaceful “seeds”.

The verse goes on to say, “... of them that make peace.” James continued, “of them that make” which means to “make ready, produce, construct, form, fashion, cause and prepare” “peace” or “harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity and felicity”. James concluded that “peace”, rather than strife, comes to those who “scatter seeds” of “harmony and felicity”.

When we meditate upon these words of James, we see the results of acting and speaking peacefully. If we desire to be “righteous” and live according to the manner in which Jesus desires, we must begin by “sowing seeds” of “peace”. Jesus is called, “the Prince of Peace”, and if we are to be like Him, let us share “seeds of peace” in every opportunity He avails to us.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see James share about from where “wars and fightings” come, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.