How will society find peace?
By Bethie Peltola
Browsing through an eccentric farm shop, deep in the Suffolk countryside, we noticed the head of an Antelope. Perhaps an Eland from Southern Africa, or a buck from Asia, we couldn’t quite place it, but its horns were striking, intricately designed and would have once stood proudly on the live stag’s head. The shop owner commented how “unbelievable” it was for nature to create such an animal. Surrounded by his fascinating items for sale, although somewhat macabre in feel, we agreed that he was right, adding that God would have had something to do with its creation and life. Man had more to do with its death and the removal of its innate value, by deadening its value to a miraculous mutation with no loving Creator delighting in its design.
The innate value of all creatures, human beings made in the image of God, and animals made to His, and our, delight is the at the heart of winning societies back to a state of peace and harmony. When we all see each other’s innate value, even if we do not agree with each other, gracious engagement is naturally fostered. It is simply the natural manifestation of understanding that all human beings are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27-28), and fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13).
Jesus not only teaches us how to consider each other, but how to live. He exemplifies it throughout history and today, in loving service and in how to care for each other.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:9-14
The Lord Jesus provides the insight and help needed when our world breaks apart with tensions and hate.
He aids the Christian to rise above petty human insult and false representation (Proverbs 13:16).
He empowers the Christian to live in the light of their true status before God and in light of the eternity He is giving us (John 10:28-30).
He brings calm and peace to the Christian, regardless of any false accusation against those things we hold dear (1 Peter 4:14).
He shows us how to honour and love one another.
Peace and love then exists among communities (Leviticus 19:18, Proverbs 10:12), because the Christian knows that all injustice, all lies, all arguments, will be dealt with by the Living God (Psalm 72:4). Our tensions will be resolved, our insulters will be dealt with, justice will prevail, and evil will be judged by the judge who understands every word and deed (Proverbs 10:22, Romans 14:10-12).
For those who trust in Jesus, peace and freedom will take root deep in the Christians’ heart and mind this side of death, then wholly in every aspect of life, the other side of death.
