Peace is one of the most precious gifts that exist. Absolutely all human beings search hard for that which could bring them some peace, but they rarely find it. They think that peace is provided by a person, a job, economic stability, better government. They do a lot of things to get it, but they don't know the only way pointed out by God to find it: to sow it permanently wherever we go.
Now, peace begins in a heart full of love, with a permanent attitude of forgiveness and reconciliation and a constant disposition to do good to others. It is more than learning to get along with others, it is learning to love them, to accept them as they are, always seeking the good for them, practicing at all times the golden rule of the Lord Jesus:
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).
Peace implies understanding that each person is unique and unrepeatable, that they have the right to their own criteria, judgments, and decisions; that their interests, desires, and needs are particular; that the goals, purposes, and ideals of others do not necessarily have to coincide with their own.
Seeking peace implies accepting the possibility of one's own mistakes and those of others, one's own mistakes, and those of others. It is understanding that living together is difficult, but the love of God in our midst makes it possible. Peace is an impossible ideal according to the methods of men, but possible according to the methods of God!
To better understand what peace means, I share this little reflection story with you:
Once upon a time, there was a king who offered a great prize to that artist who could capture perfect peace in a painting. Many artists tried, and the king observed and admired all the paintings presented to him but there were only two that he really liked and he had to choose between them.
The first one was a very peaceful lake. This lake was a perfect mirror where the placid mountains around it reflected. Above them was a very blue sky with thin white clouds. All those who looked at this painting thought it reflected perfect peace.
The second painting also had mountains. But these were rugged and bare. Above them was a furious sky from which an impetuous downpour of lightning and thunder fell. Mountain below seemed to rumble with a frothy stream of water. All this was not at all peaceful.
But when the King looked carefully, he saw behind the waterfall a delicate bush growing in a crack in the rock. In this bush was a nest. There, amidst the roar of the violent waterfall, a little bird sat placidly in the middle of its nest...
Perfect peace... What do you think was the winning painting?
The King chose the second one. Do you know why?
"Because," explained the King, "Peace does not mean being in a place without noise, without problems, without hard work or without pain. Peace means that despite being in the midst of all these things we remain calm within our hearts. This is the true meaning of peace.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Philippians 4:6-7 which states, "Do not worry about anything. Rather, pray and ask God for everything you need and be thankful. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your mind and heart in Christ Jesus. People who pray regularly, when confronted with adverse situations, find in God's word the peace they need to remain calm amid the storm.
The true peace that fills your heart can only be received as a gift from God and does not depend on circumstances. It is true because it comes from a supernatural source, which is more powerful than anything in this world. I encourage you to give to God any problem that brings weight to your heart or pain to your soul, put it in God's hands, and trust that He will work on your behalf, give you peace and keep your soul, in Jesus' name.
