Seek Peace Through Christ – (Proverbs 17:1)

Daily Bible Study
Better is a joyful, God honoring life with little, than a godless life with strife, worry and much material wealth. These passages present to us yet one more validation from God, that our focus on life should be the Lord, trusting Him, following Him and helping those around us who are in need, This is what brings true joy and happiness, rather than focusing on ourselves, and acquiring more stuff to be burned away when we come face to face with Christ Jesus our Lord! The phrase "dry morsel" was a common idiom used to mean very little food or very little in the way of material wealth. And what this verse is telling us is it's better to have peace with a little food, than strife, with lots to eat. It's better to have less material wealth, and be happier with following the Lord, than lots of material wealth and be at enmity with God. As Christians, which means we are followers of Jesus, the Bible encourages us to do everything within our power to maintain a good relationship with the people around us. As representatives of Christ, we are to be walking in humility, honesty and concern for those in need around us. And we are to be doing so in love because of our love for Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are not to purposely create strife for the sake of argument, nor create conflict and division because of a self-righteous attitude, nor for self-gain. Instead, whenever possible and wherever possible, we are to live at peace with one another. This means our actions should always be in the best interested of others and their needs, not only in their day to day lives, but also looking toward their eternal good as well. This means the welfare of others comes before the fulfilling of our emotions or desires. This means when we look at others, we are to look at them, with eternity in mind, as well as their needs for the "here and now." Why? Because we are called to love and pray for those who hate us, to help those who despise us, and we are called to do so by Jesus Himself. Remembering that God bestows His blessings on those who are both saved and unsaved, and we are to do the same. Because we do not know how many people the Holy Spirit may bring to faith in Christ because of our actions. We do not know how many people, the Holy Spirit may put in place to observe our behavior and witness the love of Jesus in action. And we can never know who the Holy Spirit as put in our paths, in order for us to share the Gospel of Christ with them by our actions and by observing how we treat those around us, including those who despise us.