Peace, Now?

The Beatitudes Overcome Racism - Part 8 of 9

Imagine a world where everyone gets along.  Impossible, you say!  People would have to set aside their prejudices, arrogance, selfishness, greed, envy – shall I go on?  Is peace possible between aggressors and victims?  Is reconciliation achievable between colonizers and indigenous peoples? 

Who will make peace between today’s racists and those that suffer from their attacks and ignorance?  Politicians enact legislation, but others keep the status quo in their favor.  Individuals organize peaceful protests, but agitators disrupt using violence.  Media helps and hinders the cause for equality.  Despite valiant efforts over generations, and even martyrdom, our society is only inching toward fair treatment for people of color.   

Who will bring peace to our generation?

The Psalmist in the Bible echoes my call: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where shall my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

Yes, Jesus is the answer!  He says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

I ask: “Jesus, how will you create harmony between warring peoples?”

He replies: “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for Our Father is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” (Luke 6:35) 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) 

Imagine millions of peacemakers whose:

HEART is with God

ACTION bring healing 

RADIANCE is contagious 

MERCY is generous

OPENNESS enables possibilities 

NURTURING creates willingness 

YEARNING is for Christ’s peace in everyone!

Who will bring peace?  Jesus and his peacemaking ambassadors!  They are blessed because they focus on, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace.” (Philippians 4:8)

Count me in, Lord!  Bring it on!