I want to begin by thanking God for the release of the remaining 20 hostages in the Gaza conflict. The Trump administration deserves credit for helping this process along. There appears to be a tenuous peace agreement that is taking shape, and aid has been allowed to flow into Gaza and to the starving Palestinians. These acts are praise worthy and certainly an answer to many prayers.
What strikes me is the use of the word peace in this circumstance. Is it really peace because aggressive war-like action has been paused? Is there security and calm in the region? Will the lives of those affected in Gaza be better in the long term?
Peace is not merely the cessation of atrocities, violence, destruction, and death. Peace is a much more amorphous thing that is difficult to achieve and yet brings truly remarkable results. Peace happens when two opposing parties sit down calmly to discuss the reasons for their conflict. Both sides hearing each other and trying to understand one another’s grievances and acknowledging the pain caused. From those actions, peace can begin to be discussed. But peace is not merely the absence of violence and hatred. Peace requires much more than that.
In years past I have heard the phrase “Peace through Strength.” This refers to the idea we can achieve peace by having the strongest military and the most destructive weapons. This might guarantee some semblance of security, but it doesn’t lead to peace.
Peace, true peace, can only be had when all persons feel dignity, worth, and the ability to pursue what our Declaration of Independence espouses, “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Real peace is found when all persons feel a part of the decisions that affect their lives. Real peace is found when all persons feel cared for and valued. Real peace is found when love for the other is the overarching ethos by which people and nations conduct themselves.
This same idea of peace that applies to nations in conflict, applies to each of us in our relationships. Peace between two people is not merely stopping angry rhetoric, or sweeping under the rug the reasons for the conflict. Peace can only be had when we begin to hear each other, really hear. Not for the sake of trying to form our arguments, but hearing for understanding how the other feels.
Too often in our pursuit of peace, we try to take the easy way out. We think if we can just stop fighting, then peace will appear. We think if we just don’t mention what we are angry or upset about, then there will be peace. The truth is, peace cannot come unless the issues confronting both parties are discussed and real remorse is expressed for the division that occurred. Desire to love with pure intentions can lead to a discovery of real peace.
For those who don’t seem to have peace in their lives right now, I’m praying that reconciliation can be found between the conflicted parties. I pray that a real love can be brought to bear on the hurt and the pain that has arisen. I pray that peace will come because both persons not only desire it, but are willing to put in the hard work to achieve it.
I’m saying this same prayer for both the Israelis and the Gazans. May they hear one another, may the find the strength to make changes in how they view one another, may they express true regret for all the violence and destruction that has occurred. May they find their common humanity binds them together, and may they vow to love one another so a lasting real peace may come.
Your companion on the Way,
Pastor Tom