Peace and harmony

How wonderful it is, how pleasant,
for God’s people to live together in harmony!
It is like the precious anointing oil
running down from Aaron’s head and beard,
down to the collar of his robes. (verses 1,2)

Read Psalm 133

The best and most luxurious surroundings are virtually useless if the people who live in them are constantly in conflict with one another. The most peaceful, serene background will mean nothing if the people in the foreground are fighting and bickering. On the other hand, chaos and clutter fade away if the people in the picture are peace-loving and happy.

God does not want his children to be living in acrimony and constant tension. He wants them to live in harmony.

Jesus said, ‘Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!’ (Matthew 5:9). It follows that Christians should be peacemakers, trying to create calm in a troubled world.

There are so many opportunities for us to make a difference. A smiling and pleasant attitude at work, courteous driving on the roads, remaining quiet instead of answering back when someone is rude to us are just a few.

What can you do to be a peacemaker?

Dear Lord, ‘make me a channel of your peace’, so that others will know how pleasant it is to live in peace and harmony. Amen.

by Grace Bock, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)

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