Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

— James 3:18

Peace is so much more than an absence of conflict. Peace involves people and systems working in harmony together. Peace is an existence full of well-being, in which our ­bodies, our relationships, our environment, and even our governments and economies are healthy. Peace even grows righteousness, which brings flourishing and justice for all. Where there is righteousness, people treat each other with love, patience, and all other virtues. Peace is an existence we dream of, which Jesus promised to bring us.

Peace is not here yet. But we can have tastes of it. We can even build little communities of it for a time. The Holy Spirit built a community of peace among the early Christians (see Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37). And some examples today include Christians living in “intentional communities” together.

Sometimes our calling and our God-given responsibilities in this world prevent us from creating a community where we can live mainly with ­others who share our desire for peace. But we can learn a lot from such communities, and we can be peacemakers in the world at large.

Where do you see a lack of peace in the community you are a part of, and what can you do to sow some peace there? Do you already know how to do that? Whom could you learn from?

Lord Jesus, come quickly to bring your peace for­ever. In the meantime, teach us practical ways to be peacemakers where we are today. Amen.