Pursuing peace becomes a transformative journey in a world often marked by turmoil and strife. James 3 provides profound insights into the keys to living in peace, steering clear of strife, and fostering harmonious relationships. This blog explores the practical aspects of pursuing peace, examining its hindrances and the spiritual principles that position us for a life marked by tranquillity and goodwill.
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” – James 3:16-18 NKJV
Understanding Strife:
Whenever there’s movement of God, there is a counterforce attempting to sabotage. Envy and strife, identified as works of the flesh and toxic emotions, are one of these tactics to hinder God’s work. Recognising this source is crucial in breaking free from the ensuing strife (drama) cycle, creating disorder, disharmony, and confusion within communities.
A doctor and psychologist did extensive research and multiple case studies to observe human behaviour in the middle of conflict. The Karpman Drama Triangle is a model mapping conflicted or drama-intense relationship transactions, focusing on the connection between personal responsibility and power in conflicts. The triangle involves three roles: the Victim, Rescuer, and Persecutor. The Victim, not representing an actual victim, seeks to convince themselves and others of helplessness and hopelessness, often remaining in a cycle of seeking rescue. The Rescuer, marked by the desire to help, may become a Persecutor if their efforts fail, perpetuating dependency. The Persecutor blames and controls, potentially switching roles if attacked, creating a cycle of drama and conflict in relationships.
In short, this is how strife can enter into our lives if we are not aware or mindful of these situations, patterns or people around us.
The Power of Love and the Holy Spirit:
Resisting strife, this blog emphasises the pivotal role of love and the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Individuals can resist the destructive force of strife in various spheres of life by cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This includes Marriages, families, colleagues, peers, and the local Church.
Practical Application in Various Areas:
The principles of pursuing peace extend to every aspect of life, including homes, businesses, workplaces, and church communities. The call to live peaceably with one another is echoed in Romans 12, emphasising humility, refraining from evil for evil, and actively seeking peace with everyone.
“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. Proverbs 3:7
Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. Proverbs 20:22
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:16-19 AMP
Three Key Points for Pursuing Peace:
1. Cultivating Harmony Through Humility:
Key Point:
Actively cultivate a spirit of harmony through humility in relationships.
Spiritual Benefit:
Humility reflects the nature of Christ, promoting unity within the body.
2. Refusing Evil for Evil and Focusing on Good:
Key Point:
Reject the cycle of repaying evil with evil; instead, focus on doing what is honourable and righteous.
Spiritual Benefit:
Develops personal spiritual growth, producing the Fruits of the Spirit.
3. Actively Pursuing Peace:
Key Point:
Actively pursue peace, understanding the role you play in fostering a peaceful environment.
Spiritual Benefit:
Aligns with the nature of Christ, contributing to the well-being of the community and reflecting His character.
A trap – Preventing the Bitter Root:
Hebrews 12 warns against falling short of God’s grace and letting a root of bitterness take hold. Bitter roots, often stemming from subconscious judgments and unforgiveness. Bitterness becomes a demonic stronghold, hindering personal peace and the ability to contribute to peace in the broader community.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;” – Hebrews 12:14-15 NKJV
The Warning Against Falling Short:
The warning to “pursue peace with all people” is a call to seek and promote harmony in our relationships actively. Falling short of God’s grace implies missing the mark, failing to embody the grace and forgiveness that God freely offers. It’s a reminder that our interactions with others should reflect the transformative power of God’s grace, fostering an atmosphere of reconciliation and goodwill.
The Root of Bitterness:
The verse goes on to highlight the peril of letting a root of bitterness take hold. Bitterness is more than just a fleeting negative emotion; it’s a root, implying a deep-seated issue that can grow and spread if not addressed. Bitterness often originates from subconscious judgments, unresolved conflicts, or unforgiveness that lingers in the depths of the heart—constantly rooting back to our upbringings or childhood.
The Danger of Bitter Roots:
The danger of bitter roots by framing them as demonic strongholds. This metaphor suggests that bitterness when allowed to take root and flourish, can become a powerful and destructive force in one’s life. It goes beyond a mere emotional response and manifests as a spiritual stronghold that hinders personal growth, distorts perceptions, and erodes the capacity for genuine, lasting peace and relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Hindering Personal Peace:
Bitterness is portrayed as a hindrance to personal peace. When individuals harbour resentment, it becomes a constant source of internal strife. The inability to let go of past hurts or grievances keeps one entangled in a cycle of negative emotions, preventing the experience of true inner peace. This resonates with the idea that our pursuit of peace requires external efforts and an internal release from the burdens of bitterness.
Impact on the Wider Community:
The warning extends beyond personal peace to the broader community. Bitterness doesn’t exist in isolation; it affects relationships, communities, and the collective pursuit of peace. A person harbouring bitterness may inadvertently contribute to discord, perpetuating a cycle of conflict that hinders the community’s ability to thrive harmoniously.
This is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between personal peace, the pursuit of holiness, and our relationships with others. It warns against the insidious nature of bitterness, urging believers to uproot it before it establishes a stronghold. The imagery of a root of bitterness as a demonic stronghold emphasises the spiritual dimension of this struggle, underlining the need for grace, forgiveness, and a commitment to pursuing peace for both personal well-being and the flourishing of the wider community.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the pursuit of peace is not merely an individual endeavour but a collective journey that impacts homes, businesses, workplaces, and churches. By embracing humility, rejecting the cycle of evil for evil, and actively seeking peace, individuals can break free from the drama cycle and contribute to a world marked by harmony, healing, and goodwill.
May the Holy Spirit provide the grace required to help you pursue peace within your relationships and wherever you go.
Blessings
Pastor Shaun Smit
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 19th of November, 2023. You can view the message below.