What’s the difference between “keeping the peace” and actually being a peacemaker?
“Keeping the peace” is associated with someone who just wants there to be external peace.
I can think of many times in my life where there’s been an issue with someone else, but I’ve resorted to just keeping the peace.
I’m still upset or sad or frustrated, but I make everything seem fine and say the right words to keep people happy.
But being a “peacemaker” is associated with someone who wants to help find internal peace for everyone.
(Which, side note, often ends up in external peace, too, but might take a bit longer to get there.)
As I’ve matured emotionally and spiritually, I’ve learned that sacrificing my own inner peace to keep situations “happy” is NOT the answer.
Having sometimes uncomfortable conversations about what is wrong, in calm and level-headed ways, inviting the Spirit, is the real way to bring inner peace.
Abraham and Lot were having some land issues.
There just straight up wasn’t enough room for both of them anymore.
No one was being evil, this was no one’s fault. Life is just messy sometimes.
Abraham DIDN’T tell his herdsmen to just deal with it and be nice. He didn’t pretend like nothing was wrong.
He had the conversation with his nephew Lot. Maybe it was awkward at first. Maybe Abraham was dreading the conversation.
But he led with love, with peace, AND with straightforwardness.
“Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.” (Genesis 13:8)
He also came with a solution ready to go, one that would require action on both of their parts. They would both move to different lands of their choosing.
And it worked!
Abraham sought true inner peace for both himself and his nephew who he cared about. He was kind and Christlike. He had an idea for a solution. And Abraham was blessed greatly.
“To be a peacemaker is not to be weak but to be strong in a way that the world may not understand.” – Elder Stevenson
How can you do the harder, but more rewarding, work of being a peacemaker today?
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
