Living In Peace

 

Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday of May. It originated following the Civil War in the 19^th century to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who had died in the war. It used to be known as Decoration Day because families would travel far and wide to visit the grave of a fallen soldier to decorate it with plants or flowers.

We are living in a power-hungry, selfish world that is being led by wicked people that seem to lack the sense of a two-year-old. As we remember those who have given their all to preserve freedom, we are also discovering many have died in vain for causes aimed only at world domination in the minds of tyrants wanting to control every human-being, plant, and animal on the planet, including its environment. This is human nature being led by evil, which after a lot of suffering on behalf of the innocent, will ultimately fail.

[Matthew 5:9] Why do we repay evil for evil so often? Most of us say we would never do that. But we do. When we shake our fist at other motorists, or shout back at our spouse, that is paying evil for evil. “Getting even” is by definition, giving bad because we received bad. It doesn’t matter that we call it “fair play;” almost always it is evil for evil.

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. Jesus made peace between God and mankind by providing a remedy for the guilt and penalty of sin. In addition to peace in heaven, Jesus came to establish among all peoples. The Lord calls His disciples to be persons of peace. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord said things that seemed very radical. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Also, “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. (Matthew 5:22). And, “You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matthew5:38-39). Plus, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:43-44). Rome was the city of the emperor. Rome championed war. When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he had words of peace for the Christians there. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing, you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:14-21). Paul tells those who have been abused to not curse but bless. He says respect all people and their opinions. Do not cause trouble or strife. Live in peace, if possible, with all people. Instead of vengeance, give charity. Overcome the evil around you by doing good. The world respects power. The Kingdom of God is the “upside down” kingdom. It is led by servants, not dictators. (Sounds like the good basis for a Constitutional Republic.) The church values love, not hate. No one ever gets ahead by lying and cheating. Dishonesty will never profit, and hatred will never bring about peace. May the peace of God be yours.