Peace, according to Merriam-Webster, is a state of tranquility or quiet.
In other words, things are in a calm state, with no rowdiness anywhere near. We can close our eyes and think without being disturbed.
Merriam-Webster goes on to give us some specific examples of peace.
- Freedom from civil disruption
- Order and security in our community
- Contentment in our thoughts and emotions
- Harmony in our personal relations
- Mutual respect between governments
So, how do we achieve this state of tranquility or quiet? What’s our path to casting out the rowdiness that drives us nuts?
Colossians 3:12-13 gives us a good start.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
First, we must change ourselves. We must take on the attributes that we expect from others: compassion, patience, etc.
Next, we must forgive the hurts others have done to us. Turn them loose. You know, the way Jesus forgives us when we wrong him.
We can’t find peace inside if we fail to pursue it on the outside.
- Civil disruption. We must follow the laws of the land.
- Our community. We have customs and behavioral boundaries for a reason.
- In our heads. We can choose to become a kinder, nicer person.
- Personal relations. Say please and thank you. Then mean it.
- Between governments. Vote for government leaders that will do the right thing.
Peace can be ours. God gives us a plan. Let’s start down the path to peace today.
Our peace comes from Christ and spreads to every life we touch.
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