Peace and People

When men have peace, they often use it carelessly and esteem it lightly. But when it has gone from us we come to know how blessed we were when we had it, and we yearn for it, in anguish and in sorrow sometimes almost to the point of repentance. Peace is like many other things that are cherished in life as they are difficult to get. Those we love and live with, we often regard casually, and use them poorly, but sorely miss them when they are gone, and wish we had done differently when they were here. We tend to mourn for what we once had, and to abuse and neglect what we do have. There are those who fear that lasting peace can never by enjoyed by humankind. It is true that long periods of peace are rare in history. But the fact that we haven’t kept peace, does not mean that it cannot be kept. There are ways to lasting peace and its time will come. This we have learned about it (and may we never again forget it)that it isn’t something we inherit; nor is it by nature imperishable; it cannot be kept in neglect and indifference; and it does not come to men on their own terms: The terms of peace were quietly spoken by the Prince of Peace nearly two thousand years ago. There is yet another reminder that is pertinent to peace: Often nations are considered as something quiet apart from people. But nations are not impersonal entities; nations are not merely structures of government nations are people, and people the world over are endowed with a generous share of human nature. And if we can bring ourselves to realize what actions and attitudes in our neighbors would provoke us to resentment, what conduct would produce friction and misunderstanding among friends or in families, then we are approaching an understanding of the problem of peace, for that which destroys peace in the hearts of men, destroys peace in the world, because men are men, wherever we find them, whether as individuals or as nations. May God grant success to those who gather for peace. May His Spirit be the directing spirit in all councils and convocations of peace. And may prayerfulness and humility invite Him to attend.