I want to share my condolences and shock at the continued violence that seems to be an everyday occurrence in today’s America. Leonard Pitts Jr. quoted Robert Kennedy, “My favorite poet,” he told them, “was Aeschylus. And he once wrote, ‘And even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.’ What we need in the United States is not division. What we need in the United States is not hatred. What we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness but is love and wisdom and compassion toward one another and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer in our country, whether they be white or whether they be black.”

He then goes on to say, “Those words feel hopelessly idealistic, impossibly innocent and yet, wise, grace-filled and…right for the raw pain of this moment I commend them to all our wounded spirits on this shining morning from a peaceful place that, as it turns out, is not nearly far enough away.”

I see those statements as being a clear call for Christians to be about our Lord’s work of loving God and loving others. Who else but ambassadors of the Prince of Peace have a message that can reconcile every human heart with their creator and with every other person? Our example from Jesus and instructions from Paul  are simple and very clear. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” and “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” He was about peace, He died for man to have peace with God and provided a way to truly love each other. The Apostle Paul added,” If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”

How do we bring this peace? By sharing our faith. Evangelism isn’t just about more people in church and fewer people in hell. It is about lives that are transformed by Jesus’ love. These transformed lives live out that transformation in ways that makes everyone’s life around them better. More loving, more peaceful, more secure, more giving, and more graceful.

Only Jesus can bring this about. Only His Church and His people can be the deliverers of this transforming message of love and peace.

What is the answer to the violence in the world today? The same as it has always been; Followers of Jesus Following Jesus. Share His love with someone today. Share His Message. Be the peace that you desire to see in the world. It isn’t idealistic or impossibly innocent it is God’s Plan,  the Good News of Jesus.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.

Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

John 14:27