James 3:18 
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. (CSB)

You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. (The Message)

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Peace on earth requires peaceful participation. 

We hear people complain about how there is no peace on earth from time to time. It sounds to these ears as if the complaining parties want God to impose peace on earth beginning with the other guy or gal or nation. Seldom is heard the encouraging word to let peace begin in our own hearts and minds. 

Peace spreads by peaceful people living peacefully. The Christian Standard Bible translation of this verse says peace is sown and cultivated. Dirt is broken. Weeds and grasses are removed. Seeds are planted. Soil is kept loose and free of other plant life that would choke out the healthy growth of peace-bearing life. Proper nourishment and moisture for the soil, seeds, and plants are applied in the proper manner and measure.

Peace begins in our own hearts. It spreads as we live peacefully. It bears fruit as we nurture it in our relationships. It rules and reigns among those who truly pursue it. 

Peace, The Message paraphrase tells us, looks like living right with God, doing the hard work of getting along with each other, and treating each other with dignity and honor. Peace is not created as much by eliminating people and their problems but by investing peace into problematic relationships again and again as patiently as a farmer prepares for harvest with months of the right lead measures. 

James tells us to live right with God, to do the hard work of getting along with each other, and to treat one another with dignity and honor. These lead measures efficiently and effectively produce more peaceful circumstances and pleasant lives. 

Just think about it: You could be a source of peace on earth. Let God’s peace rule your heart and mind. Let your cup run over with your peaceful presence everywhere you go, in everything you say, and in everything you do. 

Peace on earth begins with our peaceful participation and the good fruit of the peaceful transfer of peaceful behavior and all it makes possible. 

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I will carry peace and deliver it all along my route.

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Our Father, out of my peace-filled relationship with you, pour out of my life a life-giving stream of peaceful words and behavior. Make me a carrier of your peace. Use me to create more and more peace on earth. Amen.