December 4, 2023
Melissa Valerio
“When things change inside of you, things change around you.” -Unknown
I’ve been writing out my Christmas cards here for the last day or two and I have one design in particular that pokes at my heart. It’s a simple blue glitter-painted card with a white dove on the front and the word “PEACE” written on it. Every time I look at it, a brush of sadness comes over my heart. If only we did have peace in the world, this world truly would be worth living in. Our problem, however, goes far beyond peace in the world. We will never have peace on Earth until we all have peace with God. And we won’t all have peace with God until we reach the Millenium. Hard as we try, it just won’t happen until then. BUT…that shouldn’t stop us from trying to bring peace to the world around us. Here are some simple ways I thought of:
- Smile at someone — a simple smile can brighten someone’s day when everything else is going south. Will it solve their problems? No, but it offers a little light in the darkness. Sometimes that’s enough just to get them through the day.
- Open a door — one of the most thoughtful things we can do is acknowledge someone’s presence. Open a door for someone and let them feel seen.
- Give a compliment — lift someone else’s spirit by genuinely saying a kind word to them about something they’ve done, said, or displayed.
- Say “Thank You” — find a reason to thank someone for something they’ve done. Not the regular “thank you’s” for things like holding a door, passing the papers around, exchanging money at the store. But think of someone you know who’s done something extra and thank them for it specifically. It helps to know your efforts are appreciated.
As Christians, we have the opportunity to bring God’s peace among those around us. In Luke 10, Jesus instructed His disciples to go out into the world and teach the way of salvation. In verse 5, He said “Whatever house you go into, first say, ‘May there be peace in this house.’” This was to be their first task when they came into anyone’s company, and before another word was said. Declare peace on the house and family, then preach from there. Let’s try to do likewise. Peace first, then business.
Prayer: Dear God, we want so much for there to be peace in the world. If only everyone had You, then there really would be peace. Thank You for doing the work You’re doing in us and in the world. Give us opportunities to share Your peace (and the gospel) with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Action: Peace in the world must start with peace with God. If you haven’t acknowledged Jesus as your personal savior, today is the day! Jesus died for every person’s sins, so that we can be made right with God. Tell Jesus you’d like Him to come live in you. Ask Him to forgive your sins, wash you clean, come into your heart, and take over your life.
image: freepik.com