The Christian Path to Peacemaking
When asked what their greatest wish is, many people respond that they would like to see world peace. It is admirable to hope for the absence of war and physical violence in the world. But true peace takes work, and it cannot be attained until the personal well-being of every individual is protected. Peace exists when everything and everyone in creation are in right relationship with God and one another. Peace enables all to reach their God-given potential. It implies action and requires us to see all humanity as our brothers and sisters. Peace involves a commitment to justice. What are some steps and essential elements involved in promoting peace? The following offer several ideas for reflection:
Correct Injustice
When people have their freedoms taken away by an authoritarian government, they will fight back. When the majority of a population lives in poverty and a small minority live in excessive luxury, it takes only a spark for violence to emerge. By working to end such injustices, we can help avoid the outbreak of violent conflict.
Work for Solidarity
Solidarity is an essential ingredient of peace. After all, people are less likely to use violence against their friends than against strangers. Programs that help people of different races, cultures, or nations know and appreciate one another build the solidarity needed for a peaceful society. It can be challenging for us to leave our comfort zone and enter someone else’s world, but the potential benefits make it an important act of love.
Support Economic Development
Countries without widespread poverty are less likely to go to war because their citizens have too much to lose and little to gain. When we help countries with widespread poverty develop their economies, we help promote peaceful societies.
Promote Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The pain and loss caused by past injustices and violence cannot simply be ignored. This does not bring peace to either the victim or the perpetrator. The guilty party must seek forgiveness, and the wounded party must be willing to extend forgiveness for reconciliation to occur.
Make Time for Prayer
Prayer is one of the most powerful peacemaking practices. In prayer, we align ourselves with God’s will, we are strengthened to persevere in the trials that come with working toward peace, and we are given the courage to make the sacrifices required.
Peacemaking Starts Locally
Working toward peace requires courage, willpower, and perseverance. It also requires imagination, patience, humility, and the grace of God. Peace may be a challenging path, but in the long run, the benefits for all humanity are worth its challenges.
Young people have a deep desire to be part of the solution for peace in our world. Global change often starts with local efforts, so remind young people that even small steps can make a big difference. Encourage them to try any of the following, and they will be on the path toward peacemaking.
- Practice the principles of nonviolence in arguments and disputes by trying to focus on the humanity of your opponent. Say a prayer: “Give me the wisdom and courage to settle this dispute in a way that respects the dignity of both of us.”
- Avoid media that promote a culture of violence.
- Speak up whenever you see violence—whether it is physical or verbal—being used against someone. If you’re afraid to speak up against violence, get the help of others who might speak up with you, or tell a responsible adult.
- Practice solidarity by reaching out to people outside your social group.
- Start a mediation program for peacefully resolving conflicts at your school.
- Find out what organizations in your community are doing to stop violence, and then get involved.
