In Matthew 10:16 Jesus says, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”

What does this verse mean?

As we go through life, we will encounter people that want to hurt those who follow Jesus. They are like wolves, they want to hurt us, the sheep. But Jesus tells us to be harmless like doves. The word “harmless” is defined as lacking intent to injure. As followers of Jesus, we are to represent peace, goodness, light, love, and truth. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers in Matthew 5:9, He says, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

James 3:18 says, “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Romans 12:18 says, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

The Holy Spirit is described as a dove in Matthew 3:16, “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him”. As believers, we have the Holy Spirit in us providing us with the peace of Christ. As we go about our day, may we remember to follow the Holy Spirit and lead with peace in every interaction.

Let’s pray. Thank You for loving us, exactly as we are. Help us to be an example of Your love to everyone we encounter. Lord, help us to grow in You each day. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.