“A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
This was our scripture meditation in class last week. And earlier that day when I started reciting it over and over in my head, I became unhappy with my choice. This statement seemed too simple at first but as I thought more deeply about peace and what that means for my life, it became more complex than I had ever expected.
The word “peace” is thrown around a lot. It is a very meek word. You will hear it a lot as a main theme in yoga culture and I love the idea of it myself. Peace is very biblical. We are told to be peacemakers in the world. But what does that mean to live a life of peace? At first, I thought it simply meant being slow to anger and patient with all people, loving them above yourself etc. But as I thought harder, I realized there is a flip side to being a peacemaker.
You see, I can be all kinds of patient and kind, anything passive. But when the needed attitude is making peace with your neighbor, an active approach, I shy away.
For me, it is harder to take an active approach: to admit you were wrong and apologize to someone. Or even more than that, confront someone who has hurt you and let them know the state of your heart. In light of that, peace is not such a meek word after all. It is bold and vulnerable. It stands up for love by confronting hurt.
Which side of peacemaking comes easiest for you: passive or active? Tell me about a time you put it into practice?
Probably the passive kind is easier for me too. But if it involves forgiving, it helps to remember how much God has forgiven me. The best peace is the kind that Christ gives us.