Living as people of peace
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.” — Romans 5:1-2
Pitch deadline: April 12
Article deadline: May 3
Please pitch your article ideas to Ilana (ilana@loveismoving.ca). Check out our writer’s guidelines for more information on how to pitch.
For many of us, a characteristic of the past year and a half might be a lack of peace rather than an abundance of it.
It feels as though many injustices and problems within churches and our society have been exposed during Covid. They were always there, festering beneath the surface, but now we’re more aware than ever of issues such as abuse, loneliness, racial prejudices, and political divides.
How can we talk about peace in the middle of this?
Some days, it can feel impossible. But perhaps we have no other choice.
Our world needs peace.
Think of all the things you have tried to gain or maintain peace—in your mind or in your relationships with others. We crave peace, sometimes forgetting the King of peace is right there, waiting for us (John 14:27).
Jesus says He is peace. His work is restoration and reconciliation. To live like Him is to make space for strangers and to love enemies.
Through Him, we have hope in a reality beyond the limits of our earthly experience (Revelation 1:8). That perspective brings peace contrary to our circumstances.
Some questions to get
the ideas flowing:
- What does peace look like in your relationships? With God? With your family or friends?
- What does it look like to be a person of peace? At work? Online?
- Have you seen relationships forged despite vast differences (in your church or personal relationships)? Tell that story.
- Share a time when you experienced unexpected peace, especially during a difficult life circumstance or when you experienced lack of control.
- What does making peace with your enemy look like? Share a personal experience of forgiveness or reconciliation.
- What does it mean to have peace when so many things are unstable and crumbling in our world?
- Have you been inspired by a historical conflict where peace was forged in difficult times (between differing ideologies, etc.)? Reflect on what you learned and how it can apply to today.
- How have Christians brought peace during past crises? What does this teach you about being a person of peace in your context?
- How are peace and justice related? Are there stories from your life or community of advocating for justice or restoring peace?
- Peace is contagious. Acts like selflessness, listening to other views, and giving people the benefit of the doubt can shift attitudes and change lives. How do you cultivate/invite peace in your community? Think of tangible examples where you’ve seen peace take root.
As always, this theme could go so many ways, so don’t be bound by these suggestions!
Again, the article deadline is May 3.