The Peace Spreader

We have peace with God and we are called to pursue peace with one another, recognizing that we are
one body in Him. Ephesians chapter 4 says:
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling...

Peace is certainly wrapped up in being kind to one another, which is a powerful external force, but we can also check motives to make sure that we have the right attitude toward others - this can determine our internal perspective, which, of course, can determine our outward actions.  If we are harboring ill will and bitter feelings toward others, we have to make sure that we repent so that we can enjoy the peace of God and be propelled to greater devotion to loving our neighbor.

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Jesus is our Prince of Peace, who came to bring us peace with God; and He enables us to be spreaders of the message of peace with one another. 2nd Thessalonians 3 states:
13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

We recognize that there are those on the front lines who have a profound opportunity to spread the love and truth of Jesus Christ.  One such individual, Brittany Akinsola, went to New York City to serve as a nurse with Samaritan's Purse in its field hospital there.  On the National Day of Prayer at the White House, according to the White House website, she declared:

I would love to just leave you with a Scripture that has helped me so much through this time. And it’s Galatians 6:9, and what it says is, “Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” And the harvest that I’m believing for our country is one of restoration and hope. I am believing for healing in the name of Jesus, and I am believing that unity — that unity would thrive during this time. So thank you so much, and God bless you all.

God's presence is manifested to people in need of hope by those who are called to serve them.  Those who work in the health care field, first responders, law enforcement, government officials - all of these and more, who know the Lord, have a fabulous opportunity to proclaim God's truth.

That leads me to a unique video out of Guatemala about which ChristianNews.net reported.  The website says:

A video posted to social media shows a police officer with the National Civil Police in Guatemala declaring the name of Jesus to residents who are quarantined in their homes, encouraging them to have faith in God, for “what is impossible with man is possible with God.”

This officer was in one of the vehicles in a parade of police vehicles moving through the city. The article says that the officer declared on a microphone:

“Today, the national civil police department is passing through the city to bring a message of salvation — not with our weapons but with the powerful weapons of God,” he states, holding what appears to be a Bible in his hand. “We declare that in front of this destructive plague, our weapons don’t have power, but there is a power — the power of Jesus Christ.”

He added: "And today, the national civil police is present with the people to be united in faith, to be united in one heart, one purpose — that for God is nothing impossible. He fights our battles..."

Law enforcement officials are described as "peace officers;" that is consistent with the Biblical role of government to maintain order and punish evil - to basically, keep the peace.  This young man is spreading the peace - the peace of God, declaring the Prince of Peace, who is a source of help in times of struggle.

The officer shared appreciation to the people staying at home and encouraged them to "hug their families," according to the article.  He shared: "..Take courage. Take faith in the God that we are bringing praises [to] and saying to Him that He is the greatest in all the world,” adding, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

I think this law enforcement officer in Guatemala can send a message to all of us: we can seek to spread the peace.  In a polarized culture such as we inhabit today, we can continue to seek to reflect the character of Christ.  That means loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbor.  It means not jumping to conclusions on social media and impugning the intent of others.  It means checking what we say before we say it - or write it.  It means not generalizing the acts or attitudes of a people group because of the abuses of certain members of it.  I have been so tempted to respond to even so-called evangelical leaders recently by just tweeting out one word in response: "unhelpful."  But, that wouldn't be helpful, either.  We can embrace causes, but ultimately, we serve the Lord Christ, and we can stand for truth and justice without tearing one another down.

We can also continue to remember the sacrifices of those who serve on the front lines in our culture.  We can remember those in the health care field, the first responders, our law enforcement and government officials - that's what the Ribbons of Hope campaign is all about.  These individuals need our prayers - and of course, the victims of COVID-19 and their families are in need of prayer.

Finally, we can seek to be messengers of hope.  This police officer was dedicated to that, reminding people of the presence of God and the availability of His power.  We need Him today, to intervene in this world being threatened by a deadly virus - and we need His salvation, that enables us to overcome the virus that brings eternal death: the virus of sin.  His love can penetrate the human heart and bring healing, and empower us to combat the virus of division that is rocking our world today.