Today’s 333 Devotional: “The Peace Needed”

With the violence that has gripped our nation, I saw a picture of a man standing on the charred remains of a burned-out car destroyed in the surge of violence holding a sign saying, “No Justice, No Peace.”

I agree that all injustice should be dealt with, but it should be done in a way that is productive and doesn’t promote more violence and injustice.

After Peter cut of the ear of one of the High Priest’s servants who came to arrest Jesus, Jesus said, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)

So instead of more violence, which inspires more in return, we need to seek justice in a way that promotes peace, which is at the heart of God as Jesus makes this one of a Christian’s main attributes.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9), which Solomon calls a wise course of action (Proverbs 29:8).

But if we want justice for wrongs done, such justice must first be procured within us. What do I mean? Before justice can be pronounce upon another, God reminds us of the justice He demands first, which starts with the wrongs we’ve done to others and God.

To those wanting justice against the woman caught in adultery, and who were ready to mete out such justice, Jesus said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” (John 8:7)

Jesus reminded them that they had to deal with their own injustice to God before any justice could be meted out upon anyone else.

A man innocent of the crime was approached by a friend who said they were praying for justice. The man responded, “Don’t pray for justice, pray for God’s mercy.

Therefore, the peace we need, the peace we long for isn’t found in justice being served, but rather in God’s mercy being poured out.