How to Choose Peace in a Volatile World

Posted on Mar 09, 2023 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Women's Christian Living
Posted by : Sally Clarkson

It is far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.

—William L. Watkinson

As a young missionary in Communist countries many years ago, I cut my teeth on discipleship—“making disciples of all nations,” learning to live by faith in a very foreign place, and holding fast to my Bible. One of my surprises, however, was the prevalence of conflict and issues, at times among the missionaries themselves.

Young and unseasoned, I believed that if someone was brave and courageous enough to go into the mission field, they would probably be superhuman and surely super-spiritual! And yet, living overseas can be so very stressful that it magnifies difficulties. This was the place I began to learn the importance of peacemaking, when disharmony infiltrated the relationships on my staff team. Most were mature believers, but each needed the mercy and grace of God and from me. (Kind of reminds me of marriage!) Discord of large proportions could disrupt our unity, causing multiple issues.

Fighting, warring, and arguing are some of the foundational evidences that this world is separated from God. We war against each other as countries but also as individuals because we are self-centered. We are focused on our own agenda and our own well-being as opposed to focusing on serving and bringing harmony to others. As believers, we should not be surprised by relational conflict; it is a mark of the fallen world. And we, as followers of Christ, are called to redeem broken places.

Becoming a peacemaker in this world is an act of will, an obedience of conscience where we serve God by doing what is right. Maturity in Christ is learning to do what is right because righteousness is deeply instilled in the pathways of our minds and hearts. If we have memorized God’s Word and wisdom principles, when we later encounter animosity—and we surely will, daily!—our minds will already have a plan so we can behave as Christ would have us behave. Truth, understanding, and obedience are partners in peacemaking.

Whether as spouses, parents, friends, siblings, or coworkers, peacemaking—the act of choosing to reach out in the work of restoration—comes from a heart that worships God. Humbling ourselves brings the possibility of unity and restoration as we admit the ways we fail and disappoint people who trusted us. By our own kindness, we can show the world that humility is the bridge to making peace.

James 3:17 teaches, “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.” May the Holy Spirit quicken our hearts to obey and practice this truth, that we might bridge the gaps in our relationships with the love of God.

Are there any relationships God is pressing on your heart to restore? Is anything keeping you from making peace with those who are in conflict with you? Do you need to humble yourself or forgive the other person? If I have learned anything from the heart of Jesus, it is that when I choose to obey what He shows me in His Word, that obedience ultimately brings me peace and deep joy. I do not have to carry hate or bitterness; He will relieve me from them when I accept His will for me to make peace.