Topical Bible: Peace: The Fruit of Righteousness should be Sown In

◄ Peace: The Fruit of Righteousness should be Sown In ►

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Definition and Biblical Context

Peace, in the biblical sense, is more than the absence of conflict or turmoil; it is a profound sense of well-being and harmony that comes from a right relationship with God and others. It is a state of tranquility and restfulness that permeates the soul, often described as the "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). This peace is a divine gift, a fruit of the Spirit, and a hallmark of the Kingdom of God.

Peace as a Fruit of Righteousness

The concept of peace as a fruit of righteousness is deeply rooted in Scripture. Righteousness, in biblical terms, refers to living in accordance with God's standards and commands. It is a state of moral integrity and uprightness that aligns with God's character. When righteousness is sown, peace is the natural outcome. James 3:18 states, "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." This verse highlights the reciprocal relationship between peace and righteousness, suggesting that peace is both a product and a producer of righteous living.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament frequently associates peace with righteousness. Isaiah 32:17 declares, "The work of righteousness will be peace; the service of righteousness will be quiet confidence forever." Here, peace is depicted as the result of righteous actions and decisions. The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses completeness, welfare, and harmony, indicating that true peace is holistic and deeply connected to living rightly before God.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate source of peace. He is referred to as the "Prince of Peace" in Isaiah 9:6, and His life and teachings exemplify the peace that comes from God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the peacemakers, stating, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This beatitude underscores the divine approval and identity bestowed upon those who actively pursue peace through righteous living.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the relationship between peace and righteousness in his epistles. In Romans 14:17 , he writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." This passage emphasizes that peace is an integral component of the Kingdom of God, closely linked with righteousness and joy.

Practical Implications for Believers

For believers, sowing peace involves actively pursuing reconciliation, justice, and harmony in all relationships. It requires a commitment to living out the principles of God's righteousness in daily life. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, "No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it." This verse suggests that the pursuit of peace and righteousness may involve discipline and perseverance, but it ultimately leads to a bountiful harvest of spiritual well-being.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of peace as a fruit of righteousness calls believers to a life of integrity, justice, and harmony. It is a divine gift that flows from a right relationship with God and manifests in our interactions with others. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, sowing seeds of righteousness that yield the rich harvest of peace in our lives and communities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 3:18
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thanksgiving after Chastisement.
... if this disobedience had broken out into acts of violence, so that internal peace
and security had ... But where the peaceable fruit of righteousness has really ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxi thanksgiving after chastisement.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace
of them that make peace." James 3:17, 18. The work ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

Psalm LXXXV.
... But do righteousness, for righteousness and peace kiss one ... characters, we too may
rejoice for your fruit. ... is the beginning of man's righteousness, that thou ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxv.htm

On Fruit Bearing.
... garden represents the deep, broad river of peace which flows ... not planted, and sown
there the seeds of righteousness. ... graces are to bud, bloom, and bear fruit. ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/on fruit bearing.htm

Psalm LXV.
... conquer, that city shall conquer which is called the vision of peace. ... with salt waves
at first barren, afterwards with the fruit of righteousness productive ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxv.htm

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
... The God of love and peace will not ... he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."
John 15 ... purged or cleansed away in order to bear fruits of righteousness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter v the way from.htm

Go in Peace
... this moment, to everyone who believes in him, and trusts in his blood and righteousness,
"Thy faith ... This peace within your heart is the blessed fruit of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 48 1902/go in peace.htm

Chapter xxiv.
... above, "Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men ... apostle goes on to
tell us: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xxiv.htm

The Note of Pity.
... For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace." "Zion's sake ... seemeth to be joyous but
grievous," yet will it yield "the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter ii the note of.htm

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
... The fruit of righteousness is peace ... they often receive in their souls, under the
preaching of that Word of God, which fills His people with joy and peace! ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxv opposition to messiah.htm