In our shared ministry of reconciliation, I ask us to be peacemakers — to love peace, to seek peace, to create peace, to cherish peace.
— Jeffrey R. Holland
In the book of Matthew in the New Testament we can read the story of Jesus and his disciples. One night, as they were traveling by ship, they found themselves in the midst of a great storm. Many of the Savior’s disciples were fishermen. They were accustomed to the sea. But on this night, the storm raged and the Savior was fast asleep in the hull of the ship. The storm grew so fierce that these seasoned fishermen began to fear for their lives.
You don’t have to look too hard to find discord and trouble in our modern world. Like the men on that ship so long ago, we are surrounded by storms of ideas and warring opinions. In our nation, our neighborhoods, and our families, we can feel the effects of this storm.
At times it can feel like we are doomed to destruction. At times we may feel like the Savior is sleeping and we are left alone. We may feel hopeless and full of despair.
In the New Testament, when the Savior’s disciples began to fear for their lives they woke up the Savior and begged for help. Jesus calmly rebuked them for their lack of faith and then he calmed the storm with the command of peace, be still.
Jesus is the peace bringer. He is the peace giver. If we are to become more like him, we too must become bearers of peace. We must look for opportunities to share peace and create peace amid the storms of life.
As we strive to spread peace to those around us, we can help calm the storms that threaten to destroy our communities and our homes. Peace heals. Peace calms. Peace allows us to build bridges of understanding. Peace is the elixir that can bring the calm and safety we hope for amid the storms of life.
How are you experience the pain and frustration of the storms of ideas and trials in your life? How can you share peace to those you encounter? How can peace help you better overcome your challenges?