Often when I think of peace, my first thought is of inner peace. A concept defined as psychological or spiritual calm despite potential stressors that we may face? The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom, which refers to the appearance of calm and tranquility. These days the world feels far from peaceful and inner peace; that sense of calm in the face of stressors feels impossible to grasp.
However, maybe you are more inclined to think in terms of world peace? Watch the news any day, and it seems the world is anything but peaceful. In Greek, the word for peace Eirenen means unity and accord. It appears as if the world needs more unity.
When we read Isaiah’s words as he shares about the coming of Jesus, he refers to Him as “the Prince of Peace.” Jesus came to bring peace to the world. He was and is a peacemaker. The world could use a few more peacemakers —people who desire to bring about peace, especially by reconciling parties in conflict.
Choosing to be a peacemaker can feel overwhelming? Especially when we struggle to find personal inner peace as we face so many stressors.
As we actively engage in life as a peacemaker,
we begin to discover personal inner peace.
Inner Peace and Peacemaker, while the definitions look different, they are deeply connected. As we are intentional in one, we find the other naturally follows.
As we seek to live out the characteristics of a peacemaker, those same qualities help us develop inner peace. For either, we must understand the difference between emotionally reacting and responding. When we react to a situation, we allow the situation and our emotions to lead. The definition of respond is to make an answer, to reply, or show a favorable reaction. We get to decide and be intentional, controlling how we respond to the situation. When we actively live the peacemaker’s life, when our spirits are calm, we find inner peace.
What does it look like to actively live as a peacemaker?
- Peacemakers represent characteristics of love. Attributes like patience, kindness, not being proud or boastful, they are not self-seeking.
- Peacemakers are not people who avoid conflict at all costs. They welcome disagreement but approach conflict, willing to listen and learn first. They are open-minded, seeking to understand while valuing the truth.
- Peacemakers are proactive in how they live, building relationships, and trust. They often show mercy to others, display acts of kindness, and win the hearts of others.
- Peacemakers are gentle in spirit; they are calm and slow to anger. They understand emotions are involved and are sensitive to others’ feelings. It does not mean they always agree with everyone; instead, they know how to disagree politely.
As we light the second advent candle, Peace, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on Peace. Jesus came to bring peace to the world, to give us both inner peace and show us how to live as peacemakers. Reflecting on living out peace, let’s ask ourselves:
- Are we reacting or responding to situations and people around us?
- Do we live our lives with inner peace, in a way that helps us live as a peacemaker?
- How can we actively live out peace in our homes and communities?
As you go about your week, may you find peace in your ordinary every day, often pausing to reflect on what it means to live at peace and as a peacemaker. Join me next week as we reflect on Joy in the Unexpected.
