"Chaste, Then Peaceable"

"First of all chaste." To be chaste means to be pure and undefiled not just outwardly but inwardly. The Bible associates wisdom with the heart, but heavenly wisdom cannot enter into a heart that is defiled by wicked thoughts, desires and motives. (Proverbs 2:10; Matthew 15:19, 20) However, if our heart is chaste-that is, as far as is possible for imperfect humans-we will "turn away from what is bad and do what is good." (Psalm 37:27; Proverbs 3:7) Is it not fitting that chasteness is the first quality of wisdom listed? After all, if we are not morally and spiritual clean, how can we truly reflect the other qualities of the wisdom from above?

"Then peaceable." Heavenly wisdom moves us to pursue peace, which is a fruit of God's spirit. (Galatians 5:22) We strive to avoid disrupting the "bond of peace" that unites Jehovah's people. (Ephesians 4:3) We also do our best to restore peace when it is disturbed. Why is this important? The Bible says: "Continue . . .To live peaceably and the God of love and of peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11) So as long as we continue to live peaceably, the God of peace will be with us. The way we treat fellow worshipers has a direct bearing on our relationship with Jehovah. How can we prove ourselves to be peacemakers? Consider an example.

What should you do if you sense that you have offended a fellow worshiper? Jesus said: "If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make our peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift." (Matthew 5:23, 24) You can apply that counsel by taking the initiative to go to your brother. With what objective? To "make your peace" with him. To that end, you need to acknowledge, not deny, his hurt feelings. If you approach him with the goal of restoring peace and maintain that attitude, likely any misunderstanding can be cleared up, appropriate apologies made, and forgiveness extended. When you go out of your way to make peace, you show that you are guided by godly wisdom.

Next time: "Reasonable, Ready To Obey"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002