The wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure; then peace-loving… (James 3:17). 

Do you love peace?

Hold on.  Before you respond with, “Of course I do!” ask yourself a few questions.  Do you ever pick an intellectual fight?  Do you ever snipe at someone—you know, taking that little shot that makes you look smart and them foolish?  Do you ever make the oh-so-slightly-gossipy comment designed to bring down someone who irks/annoys/offends you?

If the answer to any of the above is yes…

As you know, people sometimes bug me.  When they do, I have known myself to act in the ways I just mentioned, trying to win whatever imaginary battle I’m engaged in.  When I do that, I’m not looking to bring peace—not between them and me…not between them and God.  I’m looking to win.

But I lose.  Every time.

Beloved, we stand as men and women of God in a broken and fallen world.  It is our mission to seek and save, not to search and destroy.

I’ve gotta admit, this is a tough one for me.  I get real satisfaction out of dinging someone who has hurt me.  It makes me feel strong; it makes me feel smart; it makes me feel better…

But then, it’s not supposed to be about me…is it, Beloved?

Walk in love today.  Walk in peace.