Promote Peace - The One Year Wisdom for Women Devotional

There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,but joy for those who promote peace.

Proverbs 12:20 (NIV)

I feel an urgency to apply this proverb to families. There is so much intrigue and turmoil in families right now. Sisters and brothers are ganging up on each other, fighting over an inheritance, bickering over petty things.

If you’re involved in trouble in your family, I suggest you go back to Genesis 37–50 and read the story of Joseph and his brothers. It’s like a big soap opera, with all the elements of jealousy, bitterness, grudges, lies, deceit. Be aware that it’s not just a story. It’s about a real family—a family with stepmothers and stepbrothers. That adds an element that definitely makes things more complicated, and then you add the element of favoritism, and you have a real formula for trouble. I don’t have to explain that to you if you’re living it. It’s not the Brady Bunch. Bottom line: Joseph’s brothers plotted revenge against Joseph, and in the end, they were the big losers.

First Peter 3:8-9 has a formula of joy for us as an antidote. Read it carefully: “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (NIV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Families can indeed be complicated, especially with blended families, ex-spouses, in-laws, and out-laws (ex-in-laws). Everything from who is invited to Easter dinner to custody and inheritance issues can be an emotional can of worms. Let me ask you a question: When there is a conflict in your family, is there a difference between the way you respond and the way the non-Christians respond? Conflict is opportunity in disguise; really it is. It can be the best opportunity of all for you to show the grace and love and patience of Christ. Talk is cheap. This can be your “divine appointment” to walk the talk.

One Year Bible Reading

Deuteronomy 29:1–30:20; Luke 11:37–12:7; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 12:19-20