Be a Peacemaker

This Memorial Day I find myself reflecting on the people in my life that have passed on. In a newspaper article I cannot say enough to do justice to them. Ultimately, I settle on my grandfathers who served in the Army and the other served in the coast guard during World War II. They had passion about their country and their ability to fight for their freedoms and the freedom of us all.

Jehovah in the Old Testament said “He shall say: “Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”¹

I can reflect on my grandfather’s experiences and see the hand of God in their service which helped them stay safe and return home.

When contemplating the many wars and armed conflicts that have happened during my life my heart goes out to all who are victims of arm conflicts. Sometimes the wicked desires of a few men drag entire countries into war. If only these wicked men would listen to Jesus Christ and what he said on the sermon on the mount “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” ²

We all can be peacemakers. In fact, this an excellent way to honor them that have given much to give us our freedom. Let us all be peacemakers. In every interaction that is less desirable we can choose to seek peace and not contention. The Savior said “For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.”³

It takes maturity, effort, patience and sometimes even more to be a peacemaker but surely our Lord wants us to try.

Russell M Nelson who is the Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints said “Vulgarity, faultfinding, and evil speaking of others are all too common. Too many pundits, politicians, entertainers, and other influencers throw insults constantly. I am greatly concerned that so many people seem to believe that it is completely acceptable to condemn, malign, and vilify anyone who does not agree with them. Many seem eager to damage another’s reputation with pathetic and pithy barbs!

Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions. Regrettably, we sometimes see contentious behavior even within our own ranks. We hear of those who belittle their spouses and children, of those who use angry outbursts to control others, and of those who punish family members with the “silent treatment.” We hear of youth and children who bully and of employees who defame their colleagues.

My dear brothers and sisters, this should not be. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be examples of how to interact with others—especially when we have differences of opinion. One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people…how we treat each other really matters! How we speak to and about others at home, at church, at work, and online really matters.”⁴

I leave you today with the words of President Nelson “I am asking us to interact with others in a higher, holier way. Please listen carefully. “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy” that we can say about another person—whether to his face or behind her back?—that should be our standard of communication.”⁴

References

1: Deuteronomy 20: 3-4

2: Mathew 5:9

3: 3 Nephi 11:29-30

4: Peacemakers needed—Russel M Nelson