Word of the Month: Peace

By Joanne Dunmyer, MFC Team

If you’re from Pittsburgh, and most likely even if you’re not, no one needs to tell you what a wonderful Christian man Mr. Rogers was. Because of Fred Rogers’ work around peace and reconciliation, the Presbyterian Church has designated March 20 (his birthday) as Mr. Rogers Day. They’ve created an entire sheet of ideas on ways to engage in this day and projects around peace, which you can access here (https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ resource/a-beautiful-day-in-the-neighborhood-mr-rogers-day/).

How fitting that our word of the month for March is Peace. Every Sunday, our worship service has a time of passing the peace. The purpose of that moment is not simply to greet one another but to reconnect, for reflecting on our relationships with others in the church. The Bible tells us to live at peace with one another, and we take time in our service by doing just that, offering our peace to each other and passing on the peace of Christ.

We can experience peace in many forms – by not being fearful, by not being anxious, by not worrying, feeling calm, feeling safe in God’s care, living in harmony with others, by having peace in our hearts. In John 14:27, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” A great thing to remember especially during a pandemic.

Definition
The first meanings for peace from Merriam-Webster defines it as a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; and harmony in personal relations. The Bible’s use of the word peace speaks to both external peace among peoples and that internal peace found through Jesus.

Scripture
Romans 5:1-2, Romans 12:18, John 14:27, John 16:33, Philippians 4:4-9, Ephesians 2:17, James 3:17-18, Luke 1:77-79, Psalm 29:11, Matthew 5:9, Matthew 6:25-34, Psalm 46.

Putting it into Practice
So given that the peace in our hearts can rule our minds and our actions, what are some things we can do to live in peace?

Peace with others requires restoring relationships. Are you fighting with a neighbor, coworker, friend, family member? Reach out to that person in forgiveness and restore the relationship. If you know of two friends or two family members who are at odds with one another, see if you can be a peacemaker by facilitating a way for them to come together. Maybe it means talking to one of the parties involved so that they can reach out in peace.

If you are anxious about something, look for a way to change your attitude about the problem. If there is a situation keeping you up at night, focus on prayer and trusting in God’s peace to help alleviate your stress. Invite a person to join you for lunch or coffee or a walk as a way of reaching out to bring you closer together.

If there is a person at school or work who looks different than you, acts different than you, lives differently than you, try to learn about their culture, religion, or way of life for a better understanding of each other.

If you gossip about other people, stop gossiping and gently change the subject when others begin to gossip. The same goes for unkind words and bullying.

Create a peace or friendship bracelet with beads, to keep or to share with a friend.

We’ve all heard the saying “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Being vengeful divides people and is the opposite of living in peace. When another person wrongs you, resist the urge to get back at them.

Show support for Presbyterian and other world organizations who promote peace. Learn about one of the organizations and see if there’s a way for you to be involved. Perhaps make a donation, volunteer, or write letters in support of the organization.

Use peace cards (https://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/season-peace-cards-thirdedition/) with your family at dinnertime or during car rides. Each card contains a reflection, prayer, and action item.

Download this coloring sheet (https://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/childrensactivity-poster-85×11/) reproducible original artwork based on Ephesians 2:14-17 and features the text “Peace to those who are near and those who are far away” provided by the Presbyterian Church.

Watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood or Daniel Tigers’ Neighborhood. As a church, plan a Peace Fair (https://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/season-peacepeace-fair-planning-guide/).

Here is the link to exchange ideas on this topic: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12SuoRad-ddeFOjmQ0K2-5YYPdPkL4Vpn