"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace......" Rom 14:19
This is not a political statement, although some may take it that way. What can we do to promote peace? There are many possibilities.
There is peace among your friends and family.
There is peace in your home.
There is peace in your local church.
There is peace in your denomination.
There is peace at work.
There is peace in your town.
There is peace in your school.
There is peace in your state.
There is peace in politics.
There is peace in your country.
There is peace in the world.
There is peace in your own heart and life.
To promote peace, we must start in our own heart and life. If we do not know Christ, there can be no peace and without the peace of Christ, we have very little to offer.
The book, "Knitting for Peace" puts forth an interesting concept. Individuals can do many things that have the possibility of promoting peace and making the lives of others better. Whether it is sweaters for orphans, hats and gloves for poor children, lap blankets for the elderly, socks for a third world group, shawls for comfort and many more things, it says there are many options.
One ladies group in our denomination makes pretty pillowcases for older veterans who are in bed most of the day. Others make lap blankets for shut ins. Many groups make prayer quilts for those suffering from long term illnesses such as cancer. People make things for preemies and newborns in need. Some grow extra produce in their gardens and give it to people they know or even to the local food bank. Some of the ladies groups make toys for children in the hospital or in a crisis. Teddy bears are popular. So are heart shaped pillows for those coming out of heart surgery to ease the pain.
There is something called 'Make a Difference Day' that many groups participate in every year nationwide. Making a difference often promotes peace among people.
There are people who fix meals and take to others. Some take it to church, to work, to friends, or to others to share. Other people like to do landscaping. They plant trees to act as a buffer for noise and for beauty. They plant flowers for passers by to admire and take them to others to share.
When we pray for missionaries and are supportive of them, we are promoting world peace. They are the ones feeding the hungry, giving medical care, building homes, encouraging, teaching and telling people of God's love for them so they no longer have to live in fear and despair. There are many projects that reach people we will never touch. One I like is Operation Christmas Child.
Almost anything we can do can be used to promote peace at some level if we so choose. It is more lasting if we are doing it in Jesus' name and are telling them of His love for them.
On an individual level, our words can promote peace or discord. Peace or lack of it almost always starts with words, so words are powerful. It is our choice, but the Bible says, blessed are the peacemakers. True kindness goes a long way.
