Peace on EarthPrøve

Peace with others

Paul starts most of his letters with a familiar salutation, “Grace and peace.” It is only when we have experienced the grace of God we can also know the shalom of God. In Jesus, the longed-for Shalom is found and experienced. It helps overcome any political, financial, or personal turmoil we might face. You can experience Shalom despite the chaos around you.

When we become children of God, we get His DNA. So, we become peacemakers. We are not peacekeepers. Peacekeepers do nothing to bring the real shalom of God. You can keep the peace by completely avoiding an unpleasant situation and thus have no Shalom. Peacemakers have difficult conversations, thereby helping bring about reconciliation and restoration. We are Christ’s ambassadors who have been given the ministry of reconciliation.

“So, peace takes a lot of work because it’s not just the absence of conflict. True peace requires taking what’s broken and restoring it to wholeness, whether in our lives, relationships, or the world. That’s the rich biblical concept of peace.” Bible Project – Advent

Now, this is the most difficult part because the first two are within your control or what you choose to respond to. This one is dependent on how the other person responds. That is why Paul encourages us to live at peace with everyone as far as it depends on us.

I am also reminded of the prayer of St Francis that has been made into a song

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury, your pardon Lord
And where there is doubt true faith in You

This is the kind of "peace on earth" that was ushered in by the angels at the birth of Jesus. His birth and death would restore shalom.

REFLECTIONS

·Are you a peacemaker or peacekeeper?

Have you done everything to live at peace with your family, friends, and neighbors? If not, make the effort to have that difficult conversation and bring God’s shalom into that relationship.