20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
    but those who plan peace have joy. (Proverbs 12:20 ESV)

We do not want to think that there are people when devise evil, or plan deceit, but there are. We also may be frustrated when we encounter these people that we have little to no control over what they do. But in fact we have a lot of power over them. You see, when we plan peace in the face of them planning deceit, we heap burning coals in their lap.

If our plans for peace are in line with God’s plans then nothing another can do will thwart them. The counter to evil is not more evil, it is love. And peace begins in a place of love.

It may seem odd to plan peace. But like with anything we do in life, if we do not start out with a plan for peace then we may easily be swayed into a defensive position. A plan for peace may require offensive or defensive action, but never with negative intent.

So, begin today with a complete plan for peace and begin it with a prayer to God for peace in your life.