[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 03/April/2022]
In a recent YOURS article David encouraged us to pray for peace and to be careful to cherish it when we have it, as it is a fragile thing. I too have been thinking about peace but on a ‘local’ rather than international level. I’ve been more aware recently at just how many people seem to have a low threshold to get upset and angry, and to be readily offended.
Of course there are many things that we can legitimately feel upset about, and sometimes there may be good reason for seeking justice and equity if we, or others have been wronged. And those are the times we should stand up and be counted. But I can’t help feeling sad when I hear about families, neighbours, church fellowships and communities who are in dispute with each other and focused only on ‘winning’ or getting their point across rather than seeking reconciliation.
I wonder if we need to take stock as individuals and ask ourselves if we are ‘at war’ with anyone? How can we expect there to be peace among nations if we aren’t working towards peace in our relationships, families and social groups?
Is it really that important to make that particular point in reaction to somebody who has made theirs? Should I instead look to turn the other cheek, bite my tongue, or work harder at ‘letting it go’ instead of reacting, which may generate more upset and disharmony? So many things may seem important but so many things really are not.
As the body of Christ we need to be a good example to the local community. Jesus calls us to unity and to be peacemakers – otherwise why would others even begin to listen to our message of love and grace and new life?
As David M. reminded us, Jesus tells us to put down our offering at the altar and seek to be reconciled with our brother (Matthew 5:23-24)
The apostle Paul in his letter to the Hebrews writes:
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. [Hebrews 12:14-15]
Of course being peaceable or ‘disagreeing agreeably’ is not always easy. So daily we need to look to Jesus and Holy Spirit to guide, help and sustain us.
I close with a prayer by Rob Wickham, Bishop of Edmonton, that touched me this week:
Dear Lord, all too often I am engulfed in my own thoughts, desires, hopes and dreams. Yet I recognise that on my own I add to the dysfunctionality of the world. Help me to dance Your divine dance, to seek Your truth and to live out my life in the power of Your forgiveness. Help me also to show forgiveness to others, as we strive for the unity that Jesus prays for and that the cross makes a reality. Amen.
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Contributed by Sarah Bell; © the Author
