Three Habits of a Peacemaker From Archbishop Justin WelbySample

Reimagine

The third peacemaking habit is: reimagine.

Whether we think of ourselves as "imaginative" or not, we all use our imaginations every day in many different situations. When we face division or conflict, we often use our imaginations to predict the outcome of a confrontation, to guess the thoughts and motivations of others, or to try to make sense of a messy situation.

When reconciliation seems far off and we face repeated disappointments, we often find it harder and harder to imagine an alternative where healing, restoration. and thriving relationships are possible. Simple optimism that "things will look up" often feels empty.

But we worship the God who brings resurrection out of death and who can work in and through our weakness. Scripture tells us that God is at work to bring the reconciliation of all things (Colossians 1:20), that we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:16), and he makes all things new (Revelation 21:5).

When we find it hard to keep going, we need the hope that comes from asking God to expand our vision by the Holy Spirit. We need to reimagine. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." In the gospels we see Jesus consistently inviting his followers to reimagine their understanding of the breadth of God’s love. Reimagining is rarely a solo experience. We often find that we need others to help us and accompany us as we try to root this habit in our daily lives.

Reimagining is not wishful thinking. It involves deep, honest engagement with reality, often leading to lament. From that vantage point we can move to asking God where he is at work, and we may find that God surprises us and enables us to tell a new story in our own lives, in our community, and in the world.

Questions to pray about and reflect on:

• In what situations am I in need of renewed hope?
• Who are the people with whom I could begin to practice reimagining?