The Promise of Peace
In 5,600 years of recorded human history, humans have fought over 15,000 wars, averaging about two and a half wars per year. Our world continues to face religious zealotry and ethnic cleansings that slaughter millions of people, with women and children suffering as collateral casualties.
An enormous question like "Is world peace possible?" starts with another question: "Is my personal peace possible?"
It is easy to wage war with yourself when suffering the pain and consequences of sin in your life. God delights in giving mercy and we see in Micah 7:18-19 that He does not stay angry forever, has compassion for us, and hurls our iniquities into the depths of the sea. What an awesome God! The promises in Micah show that God wants us to experience peace even after having sinned.
When we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and we must learn to forgive ourselves. Struggling with past sin can be a daily problem and Christ does not want to see us enslaved to our regrets. Christ suffered and died so that we would have freedom and joy. Shouldn't we want the same for ourselves?
Waging war in our relationships also robs us of our peace.
Have you experienced an ongoing fight or argument with a friend, parent, or sibling that is compromising your personal peace? Look at the situation from every perspective and openly examine your role in the conflict. Are you showing respect and honor for your friend, parent, or that sibling that seems to know which buttons to push every day?
It is helpful to look at others not just as the people who share your home or homeroom, but also as brothers or sisters in Christ. Claiming ownership for your own piece of a grievance is a terrific first step in personal peace.
An older mentor or pastor can help you sort through the conflict with your family and friends and identify areas that you may need to improve. Recognizing that all people, even parents and teachers, have weaknesses that we are able to forgive is a fruit of personal spiritual peace. While global peace may never be achieved, we are able to create peace in our own circles of influence.
I went for many years without having my eyes checked by an eye doctor and was experiencing blurry vision and lacked a sharp focus. I made an appointment, had my eyes examined, and received a new prescription for glasses and contacts. It was a few days before they were ready. When I put them on the first time, I laughed because I could actually see the individual leaves on the trees right outside the doctor's window.
Putting on our "Jesus Glasses" can help us see others through His eyes and help develop feelings of compassion and empathy. "Jesus Glasses" allow us to personally focus on patience, mercy, and forgiveness during conflict and if that doesn't change our world, I'm not sure what will.
Kristi Attwood-Richardson is a lab technician at Stowers Institute for Medical Research and a trustee on the board of Project Polymath. She enjoys ministering to preteens at New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene in Lee's Summit, Missouri, and spending time with her niece and nephews. Article provided courtesy of Barefoot Ministries.
Holiness Today, November/December 2008
Please note: This article was originally published in 2008. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.
