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| Ev. John Bosco |
TEXT INTRODUCTION:
In the book of
Galatians 5:22, Peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned after
Love and Joy. Mentioning it in the third position doesn’t mean it the third
most important but it is equal to other fruits of the Holy Spirit which should
be manifested in all children of God.
In the current
situation, all over the world, there is no peace, even in America, England or
Brazil, the world over is engulfed with chaos uncontrollable. We hear North
Korea is planning to wage war, Russia, China, Israeli, Pakistan, Palestine and
others are trading accusations against each other, leaving the world in dire
need of peace.
What is Peace?
Each one has
his/her own way of defining peace. All definitions must see that there is no
conflict especially that which is violent .Peace is simply the opposite of
conflict. It can be violent or non-violent, individual or in group, dormant or
active. But Peace is the absent of conflicts in all the cases above. When one
is at peace means one has all that he needs without disturbances.
Generally
speaking, it is only in Jesus the Prince of Peace that we can experience real
peace, not a compromised one. Peace of mind, heart and spirit. Peace with one
another all-time peace.
IMPORTANCE OF PEACE
Back to our own
place, many have left the town looking for safety to East Africa or other
countries but are met with worst experiences. No peace! Why do people trouble
themselves the way they are doing? They are looking for peace, why do they look
for peace? Simply, because Peace is importance for several reasons. i.e.
1.
Peace
creates many friends and develop healthy relationships
2.
Peace
promotes development
3.
Peaceful
minds, is a healthy mind and therefore promotes good health
4.
Peace
brings understanding and cooperation
5.
Peace
promotes sharing of possessions
For one to
realize all the importance of peace and enjoy peace, one ought to know how to
live peaceful with one another, without which, it is impossible. That’s why we
are in problem, countrywide because we failed to know how to coexist but the
Bible – The WORD OF GOD has some ways for us and this comes at the right time as
we struggle to gain peace in the this country South Sudan
How
do you live in peace with others?
1. Wish
those who persecute you well.
In
verse 14 of Romans chapter 12, God says, “bless
those who persecute you: bless and do not curse.” There is no need to curse
someone who had wrong you or keeps the person in the negative box of your mind.
Just bless that person or wish him/her well and continue your life as usual.
This, if you do, will be peaceful not only to yourself but even the one who had
wronged you would enjoy peace. I know it is not easy to do that, but being
called child of God, you must!
2. Suffer
together with those who suffer
The
Bible says, ‘rejoice with those who
rejoice, weep with those who weep,’ Romans 12:15. Two exercises here to be
done in accordance to the situation of your fellow brethren, Firstly, if you are rejoicing, let the next person to
you too rejoice, explain the source of your happiness to him so that he is
happy like you too. Secondly, in difficult situations, we are expected to come
and take part by helping but not laughing at someone defeated. This however is different
in South Sudan, every one suffers alone, but where there is happiness, the
attendance of that party exceeds the number expected. Example, when a person is
sick in the hospital, people do have limited time to visit and help such a
person, but when the person dies, the history changes, the grave is flooded
with gifts and supports of all kinds, burying the person becomes cheaper compared
to cost of just mere contributions towards the treatment of the deceased
3. Treat
everyone equally to yourself (Vs16)
In
other word, look at your neighbor equal to yourself; do not undermine him
because of his struggling life. Love him, share with him, and sit together with
him. Regardless of his status quo, understand that you are all created in the
image of the Most High God. Gen 1:27. Do not be like Cain who hated his own
brother and killed him; he looked at his brother as a tree not as a human being
Genesis 4
4. Do
not take pride in yourself (Vs16)
Regardless
of your wealth, success story, level of education, family background, religious
story, or any other trending factors in your life, do not boast, less you fall
victim to the snares of the devil. By priding, you create wider gaps between
you and your neighbor who has enough and happy but due to your act, he would
lose being your friend and hence, no PEACE. Stop that! You are a child of God
5. Be
humble (Vs16)
Humble
yourself in all walks of life. Humility breeds understanding and trust within
you and others. (The story of the beautiful king’s daughter…) and this leads to
Peace
6. Do
not take revenge (Vs17)
‘Repay no one evil for evil. Have regards for
good thing in the sight of all men.’Vs17.
No
one should revenge, but learn to forgive all the wrongs someone has done. It is
our duties and therefore if we need peace, we should have forgiving heart for
our wrong brothers regardless of the degree of the offence.
If
at all we can’t, should leave it to God who is the owner of vengeance. (Duet
32:35). If you are hurt, just return with good to silent the enemy, hence you
will become peaceful not only to yourself but also with others.
There
are so many to tell you.
Vs. 18 says, “If it is possible, as
much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Paul urged the
Romans at the time to try their best to live in peace with one another; to look
at their neighbours as brothers and sisters. He emphasized the importance of
peace. The reason Paul brought this agreement was probably the Romans were
aggressive at the time. Given the desire to conquer the whole world, Paul as
the bondservant of the Most High God had to respond to the government in Rome
boldly after explaining the importance of peace and how to live in peace with
both man and God. He pointed out that, peace can’t be obtain by revenging,
laughing at others but it depends on an individual’s will
From Paul point
of view, I just want to bring this in our situation;
i.
Is
it really possible for us to live peaceably with all men? Why or why not?
ii.
Do
you think it is possible for us to attain peace in a short time if we have poor
relationship with one another?
iii.
Do
you know it is very difficult to forgive someone who killed your son, or
relative?
iv.
What
will you do to someone who lies to you about paying what he owes you several
times without fruiting?
v.
From
the beginning of the year till this day, you have went through various
challenges which have kept your mind unstable, NOT PEACFUL, who do you want to
do differently in 2018 to move to another level?
vi.
Many
of your properties have been destroyed or stolen, you are juts left struggling,
what are you doing new to have a peaceful mind for a peaceful living?
vii.
From
now onwards, how are you going to treat your ex-friends for you to gain and
improve your relationship with God?
There are
simple answers, Just get on your knees and say,
Dear God,
I am sorry, I need you to renew my life
and give me peace. Help me to learn how to be in peace with others even if I am
hurt beyond repair. Amen
To be honest,
we will never grow, and by lacking peace which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit
means we’re in the wrong side of the coin.
It is very
simple, to remain Peace-less or become peaceful, it is your choice, to live in
a struggling life or live happily.
It is crystal clear;
do not pretend, when your health deteriorates daily! Look on to Jesus Christ
the Prince of Peace and begin a new life and live peaceful with others.
For the Bible
in Matthew the Gospel 5:9 says, ‘Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they shall be called CHILDREN OF GOD’ Wow, what a
powerful promises to those who make peace! Is it wrong to be called a child of
God? So, what is that is making it difficult for you to live in peace with your
neighbours, relatives, other tribes, nations?
BE BLESSED, AND I WISH YOU THE BEST IN
YOUR NEW LIFE IN 2018. AMEN
© Evangelist John Bosco
Twitter: ayella_john
Skype: ayella.johnbosco1
Tel: 0928150660
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