21 Days of PeaceSample

Week 3: SHALOM AS A PURSUIT 

In the midst of our commitment to peace within ourselves and our community, we look beyond our neighborhood and our nation to consider peace within our world. It can feel daunting at times, as we are haunted by images and stories of war, violence, hate, and oppression. All too often, the stories we hear are driven by narratives that seek to vilify and divide rather than understand and unite.  

Instead of perpetuating or advancing stories of conflict, let’s seek to recognize and value the humanity and life of every person God has created, as well as the harmony  God intends for all things. 

The ancient Hebrew word שָׁולֹם, which we know as “shalom,”  is used to describe a deep level of peace, wholeness among all people and nations or, simply, the way things are supposed to be. This word is still commonly used in the Jewish faith and considered to be one of the most sacred values in Jewish culture. 

We know how unsettling it feels when the world isn’t as it should be. There’s something inside of us that longs for peace, justice, equality, and mercy for all people. As we embrace the truth that we are people created for peace, our hearts are drawn to the relentless pursuit of shalom, seeing our broken world restored to reflect heaven on earth.  

This week, we will be meditating on two passages of scripture found in John 17 and Psalm 133 Read this week’s scripture and notice what, in particular, stands out to you.