Armistice

Yesterday was the day of celebrating peace in Europe. Although the First World War belongs to our distant past, war is still very much present among us all, not only in Ukraine, but in many other countries around the world. The diplomatic game played in different ways across nations is one thing; our emotional and relational management is another. The commemoration of peace should become not only an annual observance but a daily practice, at all times.

Jesus came so that we might have peace with God and learn to build peace with other human beings as well. Isaiah had already declared in the 8th century before Christ: “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22; 57:21), but that peace is with those who put their trust in God and walk with Him (Isaiah 26:3). This principle remains true today.

Jesus, the Prince and King of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), encourages us to learn from Him and become peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), for not everyone knows peace or how to experience it. Too many people have been taught how to make war, but not how to make peace. Isaiah 2:2–4, through the Holy Spirit, suggests transforming the weapons of war into instruments of peace. Paul, through that same Spirit, urges us to use the weapons of the Spirit instead of those of the flesh (2 Corinthians 10:4) and to proclaim, through our very lives, the Gospel of Peace (Isaiah 52:7; Ephesians 6:15).

Let us agree with Jesus to pray for those who do evil and seek war. Let us do good to our enemies and keep hope that God will guide them towards the path of peace.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.20 On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let us build relationships of peace through the Holy Spirit, not just once a year, but every day.