Peace

Submitted by Mary Anne Gran, layperson from Raymore United Church

November 12, 2024

Key points from this story:

• Peace is a divine gift to humanity
• War's devastating impact on civilians and soldiers
• God's presence amidst destruction and suffering
• Biblical references to peace and spiritual armor
• Prayer for those affected by conflict
• Call for unity among Christians in prayer

Peace, I leave you; my peace I give to you. Will we ever have a world where peace will reign? Will we ever have a world where people are not fleeing from war and living in refugee camps in their own country. Where malnutrition and lack of clean water is normal. Where little children do not grow up to be adults, to have dreams and goals. I don't have that crystal ball with the answers and the reassurance. I don't believe that there is anybody that does. How do we stop war when the weapons have become so sophisticated and the leaders of countries have a get even mentality? Personally, I believe God stands among the rubble with tears streaming down God's face. We must never forget the cost of war, men and women who never came home, men and women who came home never to be the same. No one wins at war, no one.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. John 14:27 Peace, I leave you; my peace I give to you. Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. We hope that one day there will be no need for body armour and anti-ballistic shields. It's about letting God prepare us mentally, emotionally, and socially to resist the tendencies that lead to war.

What pieces of the whole armour of God should we seek together? The sword of the Spirit cuts through the noise so that we can belt our waists with the truth. We shoe our feet with the gospel of peace. We guard our hearts with the shield of faith and the breastplate of Jesus' teachings. The knowledge of God's love for all people is the helmet that protects our thoughts, so that one day there will be no need for body armour and anti-ballistic shields. 2Corinthians 13:11 Finally brothers and sisters put things in order, listen to the appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

We pray for all who have no one to pray for them. Show us how to be their blessing. And let us join our hearts together with all our Christian siblings who are praying this day and always. Amen