Can we all live in peace?
The Lord will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise!
Micah 4:3-4, NLT
There is a distinct lack of peace in our world today, from online forums to partisan politics and more. The places for division seem endless. The harsh words heatedly exchanged over trivial matters can be stunning. It can leave us asking, “Why even try?”
Peace treaties seem like fancy documents signed by people wearing suits. Far from our common lives. One nation makes a deal with another to live in peace. But the peace that God brings is an everlasting peace.
We want to live in peace. We don’t want to think bad things about our neighbors, and we don’t want them thinking bad things about us. We want to give a friendly wave and chat by the mailbox. By choosing to live peacefully, we can be a light to others.
ACT
Bake cookies—or buy them. Or pick flowers or something you grew. Take it to your neighbors.
pray
God, show me how I can live in peace with those around me, to choose kindness first and argument last. Amen.