There have always been contentious issues either dividing or threatening to divide our nation. However, in our small, ferry-accessed island community, we’ve done a fairly good job of dealing with our differences by focusing on our similarities. After all, we know that normal people don’t live on bridgeless islands, so our desire to be here tends to create a very strong bond that transcends differences that might create division on the mainland. Yet recently, there have been some heated conversations about local issues that have caused pain, weariness, and damage to the fabric of our community. There seems to be a desire to move past these things, but they keep popping back up. What do we do?
As the title says, this is the perspective of a pastor. For that reason, my comments here are always influenced by Scripture. In this case, I’m drawn to Romans 12:18 which states “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Regardless of the points of division that may pop up, or the personal inconvenience caused by them, the obligation of the Christian is to do whatever is in their control to do to live peaceably with all. This flows straight out of the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the commandment to all who would identify themselves as Christians, and there is no loophole.
But what if your neighbor doesn’t want peace? Well, the command to love is unconditional, so even when they want to continue to divide, the Christian requirement is to continue to look for ways to bring about peace. Bless those who persecute you. Be kind to them. Pray for them. Do good for them, as opportunities present themselves. You cannot keep them from stirring up trouble, but you can keep demonstrating that you will not respond in a similar fashion.
I’m very much aware that one of the most difficult things to do is to ask for someone to be blessed even as you are being attacked by that person. It’s extremely difficult if you keep thinking about how you are being harmed. Yet Jesus was able to ask the Father to forgive those who were crucifying him, even as he was dying on the cross. Stephen was able to ask God to forgive those who were throwing stones at his head, even as he was about to die. In the midst of their own personal suffering, Jesus and Stephen were both thinking about God and his mercy. Therefore, in the midst of our own trials and persecutions, we need to be reminded that the call for a disciple of Jesus is the requirement that we deny ourselves, take up our own cross, and follow Christ. If God could love us even as his son was dying at our hands, then we must strive to love those who are making our lives difficult. Love is the path to ultimate peace.
Peace may not be possible, but the end result isn’t up to us. Our job is simply to pursue peace, even if there is a personal cost to be paid. If we are willing to be obedient and strive for peace, we may be surprised at the seemingly unresolvable conflicts that can be brought to a conclusion. We may even change some hearts along the way.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron