25 Jun A Heart for Peace

25 June 2023

A HEART FOR PEACE

If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:18)

Christians are called to be peacemakers. Peace is beyond what the world experiences as it involves the heart. Often, peace is settled on the table between two warring groups without practical implementation. The peace that the world understands is more inclined to the absence of war and conflicts. World leaders are advocating peace so do community leaders. In fact, everyone in the world supports peace. But the reality we see is quite the opposite of that. Conflicts prevail, and wars resurface in multiple forms. Enmity cannot die out between many ethnic groups.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Mizo Tribes in northeast India were at war with neighbouring tribes. They were so aggressive that they attacked other tribes for possession of their guns, women, domestic animals, and other valuable properties. They plundered, killed, and beheaded their victims to take them home as war trophies. Many smaller tribes feared them, and the women even used to intimidate their crying children by saying, ‘Stop crying; otherwise, Lushais (Mizos) will come.” The British rulers in India tried to stop their atrocities through two punitive military expeditions followed by colonial rule in the late 19th century. The Mizos were somehow then

controlled but not changed at heart. Then the missionaries arrived, and the gospel was preached to them. It was the Gospel that changed their hearts. The war-loving Mizos became peacemakers preaching the gospel to the neighbouring tribes. The once fearsome community was eventually transformed into a loving community. The head hunters became soul hunters with peacemaking attitudes.

The word of God tells us to be at peace with others (Romans 12:18). Even if others may not, we as believers must have a heart of peace. Some people from neighbouring tribes did not welcome some early Mizo missionaries due to their past experiences. But the missionaries were more focused on the gospel of love. They preached and maintained a heart for peace. We often expect others to take peace initiative so that we, too, can join. We are more inclined to wait for them. But as disciples of the prince of peace, we can start peace initiatives. The gospel does not encourage us to wait for peace but requires us to act for peace.

There is an ongoing discussion on human rights in the current global situation. We tend to focus on our own rights and interests at the cost of others. Putting ourselves first will lead us to develop a one-sided perspective causing a clash of values with others. We need to keep a balance between us and others to promote peace. Peace is like a partnership where both sides enjoy equal status having the same right. Jesus teaches us to put others first. That is the way to make peace.

prayer

God Almighty, give me a heart of peace so I may truly serve others. Make me become your agent for healing the wounds of the World. Let others benefit through my sufferings and gain from my loss. May your words become flesh in me. Amen!

for further thought

What must I do to promote peace in my community?

Lalrinkima

Presbyterian Church of India