Peace and Forgiveness

Merli Sarnosky Park, PA
Photo by Pam Williams

Merriam-Webster defines Peace as:

1. a state of tranquility or quiet, as in freedom from civil disturbance
2. freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
3. harmony in personal relations
4. a state or period of mutual concord between governments
5. a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or enmity

Everyone longs for peace, no matter which of Merriam-Webster’s five definitions we choose. Though we wish for them all, in actuality, peace, on many levels, seems quite illusive.

I recently read excerpts from Go in Peace, by Saint John Paul II. He shares keen insight into finding peace: “Real peace rests on mutual acceptance and a capacity to forgive from the heart. We all need to be forgiven by others, so we must all be ready to forgive. Asking and granting forgiveness is sometimes the only way out of situations marked by age-old and violent hatred.”

I don’t think I made the correlation between peace and forgiveness before reading those words, and yet, it makes perfect sense. Peace and forgiveness are inseparable partners.

Asking forgiveness requires that we be truthful with ourselves and others. Asking forgiveness demands humbly acknowledging our own failures and shortcomings. Neither of these is easy; but both are necessary for inner peace, as well as peace with others.

“If a brother or sister has something against you, go and be reconciled to them.”

(Matthew 5:23-24).

Granting forgiveness is just as hard. To rise above past hurts and injustices, calls for strength only God can give. However, by being truthful with ourselves, we realize we aren’t perfect either, enabling us to extend forgiveness and receive peace.

“Be kind to each other, sympathetic,

forgiving each other as God has forgiven you through Christ.”

Ephesians 4:32

Peace with others begins with forgiveness. Most importantly, forgiving others begins with our own forgiveness from God. If we want peace in our hearts, we need God’s forgiveness for the wrongs we have committed. Thankfully, God offers us that forgiveness freely and simply when we trust in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. All we need to do is ask Him (for more information); He will forgive us—and we will have peace with God—the greatest peace of all.

“Now that we have been put right with God through faith,

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 5:1

Be encouraged!

Pam

©2018 Pamela D. Williams