November 20, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. (James 4:1)

According to James, the reason people fight is not because they are right and their opponent is wrong, but because they insist that that is the case. Both sides are convinced that they should fight for their certitude supposedly for the good of all, when what they really want is to win an argument.

But having a point is not the point; courtesy is, respect is, kindness is. There seems to be a constant temptation within us to ignore this kingdom truth and we should overcome it. We are to be led by the Spirit of God who is working in us His fruit - love, patience, gentleness, and self-control. If these are what holds sway in our lives, there will be peace on earth because we let it begin with ourselves.