Speak of Peace, Believe in Peace

This one statement is a very wonderful and comfortable concept but it is one of the most difficult to actually fulfill. You would think it easy but not so much. Let me offer this up. One group of people feels persecuted and wish validation for their cause. They plan a strategy to inform the population and had out flyers. This goes well but things do not change so they ramp it up a bit. The group plans a peaceful gathering in a public forum yet nothing happens. There is no change and the frustration level increases. They stage a march and garner the support of other persecuted groups and invite the press. Opposition decides to come out as well to exercise their freedom of expression and are branded as hate mongers and oppressors and chaos reigns. They troll the social media and look for anyone who says anything that seems anti-whatever they stand for, gather their friends and bully them into silence. They speak of peace but, in their hearts, do they truly believe?

If you think I am talking about a group you belong to, chillax! I don’t need your anger or your negativity because what I say is the truth. Scripture says love your neighbour as yourself. How can one love their neighbour if they are so focused on self that it drives them to become a Pharisee of their own message? I honour the beliefs of others by respecting their position and faith. I don’t have to agree but I don’t need to become the monster that tries to bully or destroy another’s beliefs. If we are going to speak of peace, we must be ready to believe in peace even if it means crossing the floor to tell someone you care and respect them. Paul said it a numerous times that the message of God is for both Jews and Gentiles. Thank the Lord that He loves all His creation equally and fully. Not only is He the symbol of perfect peace but He believes it totally. For God so loved the world, He sent the Prince of Peace to show all mankind the way.

This weekend we celebrate the Message with Rev Bob Hillock. We invite you to join us in person or online at 10:30 MST or you can watch live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MainAvenueFellowship/) or view it afterwards on our website (www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca).

Blessings
Pastor Todd