Some Ideas for Peace…

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…                                             Galatians 5:22

I wrote yesterday that there is a time for peace. In this election year in America, peace seems to be a bit distant. Social media is alive with angry memes, accusations, and forecasts of doom if the other candidate is elected.

I have come to the understanding that I am not going to convince anyone out of their current beliefs. My job is to speak the truth in love, but not to convince- that is the Holy Spirit’s job. Clearly, the Holy Spirit does a much better job than I do in changing hearts.

So, when engaging others in social media (if you feel the need to do so), remember some points.

• Do not expect to change minds.
• Speak whatever you want to say in humility and love.
• Remember that the person with whom you so clearly disagree is a person, just like you, made in the image of God
• Calling another person a name is not only ineffective, it is counterproductive
• Don’t assume that you have a corner on the truth
• Lift up the teachings of Jesus, who taught us to love those with whom we disagree.
• You can be at peace with others if you are first at peace with yourself.

These principles are simple, but they are not easy to practice. I fail at them too- keep trying.

Prayer: Lord, we submit to your lordship, not our opinions, Amen