Greetings in the name of our God of Peace!
On Remembrance Day this week many of us paused to remember those who died in military service as they fought for the freedom of their country, families and the values so important to them. We remember their commitment and courage as they sacrificially gave their lives in their fight for freedom. We also remember those military personnel who physically survived through war but live with trauma that continues to war within them.
As we remember them we also remember the many other causalities and victims of war. Many civilians also suffered physical death and many suffered other losses and forms of death. Loss of loved ones, loss of home and family, loss of security, innocence, hope, peace….
We remember, not only to recalling the past, but to learn from the past and allow the story of the past to help inform and shape our future.
As we remember, on this week of Remembrance Day, may we commit again to do the work that makes for peace. May we strive to deepen our resolve to walk the nonviolent way of Jesus in all our relationships. May we be reminded that all people are God’s people and that God desires that we live together in peace and harmony. May we pray for our world and all its leaders so that their interactions and conversations lead to more peaceful ways of living together on planet earth. May we pray that weapons of war will be transformed into instruments of justice, life and peace! May we pray for the day that war will cease and that God’s kingdom will come and God’s will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
As we pray these big prayers for our world I pray we are inspired to do our part in the small piece of the world in which we live. Maybe our world will be transformed one person at a time! As the old song goes, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me….” Will we do our part to understand those who think differently and live differently than we do? Will we make friends instead of enemies? Will we live sacrificially instead of selfishly? Will we work to build bridges instead of barriers and walls? Will we make the choices that lead to the health and well-being of all? Will we look out, not only for our own interests, but also for the interests of others? Will we begin a ripple of love, understanding and compassion that will result in a tidal wave of good across our neighbourhood, country and around our world?
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deedsdone in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18
Pastor Ray