Become a Peacemaker

In a world where there are wars and rumors of wars, feuds between families and within family members, angry dealings among individuals and even friends, one may ask, "What can I do to bring peace?"

Today, as I sit here thinking about the state of affairs of the world, I too wonder what I can do to bring peace within my family, circle of friends, and community, and what I can do to honor my Savior and Redeemer. I came across this statement: "One of the best ways we can honor the Savior is to become a peacemaker." Russell M. Nelson, Peacemakers Needed General Conference, Apr. 2023

There is my answer: become a peacemaker. 

Somehow, I feel that to become a peacemaker means more than refraining from arguing with others or stepping in between two individuals and help them "make peace" with one another. I feel that I first need to be at peace with myself. I need to turn to the Savior and follow in His footsteps. As I do this, I am positive that I can find the inner peace that will help me be a peacemaker within my family, friends, and community. 

To follow in His footsteps, I first need to learn about Him: "Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and even brought the dead back to life. More importantly, He forgave people of their sins." (The Life of Jesus Christ "Ministry and Miracles"). He also fed the hungry, visited with people, invited people to be with Him, among other things.

I cannot perform miracles, but I can do small acts of service to follow in His footsteps.

I can: 

1. take care of those who are sick by bringing them food and doing needed chores; or by just spending time with them;
2. be the guide to the blind, not just in walking with them but also taking the time to describe to them what they want to see;  
3. keep those who have passed on alive in my heart by remembering the good these people brought in my life; create memory books for family members who lost loved ones. 
4. forgive the offense received and refrain from seeking revenge. It does not mean to stay in harm's way, if the situation is a dangerous one; 
5. contribute to a food pantry, invite someone over to share food;
6. visit the ones who are alone, whether sick or not;
7. invite people to come to Christ by sharing with them my testimony of His love and His sacrifice.

I realize that not everyone wants to be on the receiving end. Pride or shame are powerful emotions to make us refuse help. However, if I have love in my heart, and the people I try to reach realize that I am not there to judge or ridicule them but to just be there for them, I believe that they will open up and allow me to serve them. 

As I do these things, I will come closer to the Savior and feel that peace He offers all. I will grow love in my heart for my fellow beings and I will be able to see them as the Savior sees them. 

As we try to follow in Him, with His kind of love within us, there won't be room for contention. His love will radiate through us, and we will be able to bring peace among those with whom we live, work, and spend time. We will become peacemakers.