Peace

A disgruntled taxpayer crashes a plane into an Austin IRS building leaving behind a note stating, ""Violence not only is the answer, it is the only answer." I don't believe any age is better than any other. I do believe that they are just different. We live in an age of violence – political, spiritual, sexual, emotional, and rhetorical.

 

Jesus - Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

 

Christmas Carol - Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Let There Be Peace on Earth the peace that was meant to be

 

Psalm 34:14 (NIV) - Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

 

Jesus - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. John 14:27 (NIV)

 

Peace is a fruit of God's Spirit working in us. At the end of time, God sees Peace as one of the attributes of his Kingdom. Peace is resident in all who follow Christ. All we have to do is encourage it to come out. Not that we will always win out in the short haul. We won't (or, at least, haven't so far.) What we do when Peace becomes a priority is to lay the groundwork for a Peace renewal. The Lord knows we need it. In every level of life.

 

Consider being a peacemaker, laying aside the words (and, maybe, actions) of violence and hatred (including painting people with a difference in opinion as vile or evil, when in fact, they are just different and, may be right.) Reconcile relationships and help others to do so. Don't be the one in the middle, get them together. Peace is starting with you.