"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable..." Jame 3:17
When I was growing up in the early 1970's, it was a very common thing to see people forming "peace signs" with their hands as a salutation or greeting. I
fell
into the trap of saying some of the same things that my brothers were saying...(my older brothers were in their teens, and I wanted to emulate them,) by using phrases like, "peace man!"
I don't recall ever having a knowledge of exactly what that phrase meant at the time, it just seemed like a cool thing to say.
The word that we are dwelling on
for today is the word, "peaceable" that's found in James 3:17 What does it mean to be "peaceable" in the biblical sense, and why is it so important for the people who claim to be God-followers to understand it?
Once again, if we go back to the Greek root, compare it with other words in other places of scripture that contain some of the same basic roots, we begin to see similarities emerge.
In the above verse in James, the Greek word εἰρηνοποιός is used. Transliteration is
"eirēnopoios"
It's meaning?
1) a peacemaker
2) pacific, loving peace
Move quickly over to the book of Matthew chapter 5, verse 9, and you will see something interesting.
Here's the verse in Matthew:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9
The root word for "peacemakers" in the verse is the Greek word, εἰρηνικός
Transliteration is eirēnikos.
It's meaning?
1) relating to peace
2) peaceable, pacific, loving peace
3) bring peace with it, peaceful, salutary
It would seem, that those who are "peaceable," and truly "wise," are those who seek to avoid quarrels and strife with others. This doesn't mean that we don't share our faith, and it doesn't suppose that we don't stand up for what we believe in. However, it DOES mean that we treat others the way that we would wish to be treated in these
circumstances.
FAR too many people who claim Christianity seem more than willing to start a "war" over something that they believe (or don't believe) in. We're cautioned to stand up for what we believe in, but the WAY that we stand up, and the METHODS that we use are important ingredients in the mix.
I once had an encounter with a gentleman who was VERY adamant about sharing what the scriptures outlined as "truth." (Actually, I've encountered more than one man who was concerned
about this...to the point of being "un-peaceable.")
Listen to what he said to me: "Pastor, I'm pretty tired of all the 'love-garbage.' When are we going to get down to the real deal?"
Let me be as clear as I know how to be...(and I hope it doesn't come across as un-peaceable.) Love IS the real deal, and it forms the foundation to being able to share whatever the scriptures give us...with others. It's not just a subject that is brought up
along with the truth...it IS the truth!
LOVE IS THE TRUTH...and when we show it to others (regardless of what they may personally believe in spiritual things,) we have a much greater opportunity to share what God has given us to share.
The dissemination of truth without love for those that we are sharing it with is hypocrisy in its purest sense. Godly wisdom equips us to share the truth in ways that are peaceable and loving without
broaching our dedication to it. Why? Because we actually love those that we are sharing it with. It's a divine work in us that we can't manifest in ourselves!
I've never witnessed anyone that has had a real legitimate conversion experience because someone beat them into submission with truths from the scriptures. I have however, witnessed a great number of people who were lovingly cared for in such amazing ways, that they were constrained
to know what would cause another human being to treat them so well. This in turn allowed doors of opportunity to open so that "broader truths" could be shared.
To be "peaceable" is at the bedrock of sharing our faith. To debate, argue, and act in mean-spirited ways towards others is NOT God's way.
"Lord, please help me today, to be able to share the beauty of Who You are with others through my peaceable dealings with them."
