Let It Begin With Me
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.1
“Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father, Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother, In perfect harmony
Let peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now…”2
When Nelson Mandela walked out of prison after 27 years, the world expected rage. He had every right to be bitter. He had been unjustly imprisoned, separated from his family, and vilified by a system that dehumanized him. Instead, Mandela did something almost no one expected. He forgave those that had wronged him. People thought his actions were insane and unfounded, but Mandela understood what Jesus taught when He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers….” in Matthew 5:9. Peace is what turns enemies into neighbors. He once said, “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
This is the peace that we want to celebrate during this Christmas season. A peace that surpasses all of our earthly understanding. Isaiah had prophesied that the “Prince of Peace” would be born (Is. 9:6). The Angel proclaimed in Luke 2 that this birth brought “Peace on Earth and goodwill toward men”. There was a cry for peace two thousand years ago that has only grown louder today. Peace must begin with us. What if we live with that same kind of conviction for peace that Nelson Mandela learned? Not waiting for the other side to apologize. Not demanding vengeance. Just choosing reconciliation. Peacemakers change nations — not because they win arguments, but because they heal wounds. “Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me”.
Suggested prayer: Dear God, our world needs peace. My home needs peace. My heart needs peace. Help me to be still and allow you to fill me with Your Peace so that through my words and my actions I may spread that peace to everyone around me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. Romans 12:18.
2. “Let There Be Peace On Earth” by Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller.
Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.