But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving (shalom-loving), considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers (makers/doers of shalom) who sow in peace (shalom) reap a harvest of righteousness.
Also, seek the peace (shalom) and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Even as Christ followers we still live, work, play, raise families and partake of this world. We are part of the places we live, the people around us, the circumstances that affect our region, nation and world. The people from Judah in Jeremiah’s day were exiled to live among the worldly nation of Babylon. Christians today live in a world that often doesn’t know or only superficially knows Christ. God revealed to His people in exile that it was good for them to seek the benefit of the Babylonians. Although it was hard for them to fathom, I’m sure, they would be blessed by being a blessing. Who knows, there may have been people in Babylon who opened their hearts to God because they experienced the shalom of the Jewish people firsthand. By being the bearers of shalom to those we encounter, we too can be a blessing to our villages, towns, cities, states and nations. Living out every day, typical lives may just open the hearts of those far from God today. Seek out ways to bring harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare, and tranquility for the benefit of others around you. Help to restore and make good anywhere you see a wrong. As we, each of us, strive to express the shalom of Christ to anyone we can, there will indeed be a great harvest – let’s prosper together.
