Do we want peace ?
- Part 1 -

Fr Paul Lelen Haokip *

INTRODUCTION:

'Peace' and 'Fight' have same number of letters and belong to the same English alphabets but they connote entirely different meanings. Men of different races have the same human-nature but might promote either 'Peace' or 'Fight'. The world will continue to have wars and interpersonal conflicts until Jesus comes to establish true, lasting peace (see Isaiah 11:1-10), but God will give His peace to those who trust Him. Jesus took the chastisement of our peace (Isaiah 53:5) and has made it possible for us to have peace with God. So, peace is one of the deepest longings of every denizen of our age. Peace is something everyone wants, yet few seem to find. I guess, we belong to the latter part.

Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility. Peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, and a working political order that serves the true interests of all. In international relations, peacetime is not only the absence of war or conflict, but also the presence of cultural and economic understanding and unity.

Each year on September 21, the UN invites all nations and people to honour a cessation of hostilities and commemorate the International Day of Peace through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. The theme for 2015 is "Partnerships for Peace - Dignity for All."

PEACE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT:

In the New Testament, the primary Greek word for "peace" is eirene, and it refers to rest and tranquillity. A key focus of peace in the New Testament is the advent of Jesus Christ, as announced by the angels in Luke 2:14 ("Peace on earth . . ."). Isaiah had predicted the Messiah would be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He is called the Lord of peace in 2 Thessalonians 3:16. It is through Christ's work of justification that we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1), and that peace will keep our hearts and minds secure (Philippians 4:7).

WORLD PEACE DAY:

The World Peace Day was declared by the United Nations (UN) in 1981. Since then it is observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples.

To inaugurate the International Day of Peace, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the United Nations Association of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace." Individuals can also wear White Peace Doves on this day to commemorate the International Day of Peace, which are badges in the shape of a dove produced by a non-profit in Canada.

EDUCATION FOR PEACE:

The education sector is one of the most exposed to violence. Every parent wants his/her child to learn and be educated. One of the most important aspects of education is to be peaceful ourselves. Learning to destroy others is a lethal weapon. Education, used in the wrong way to eliminate, destruct or violate things or persons is regrettable in the strongest sense. Those years spent for learning is a colossal waste. We should rather be educated (learned) to uplift, safe, preserve and respect each other.

"It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies" (Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-General). Peace education is the process of acquiring the values, the knowledge and developing the attitudes, skills, and behaviours to live in harmony with oneself, with others, and with the natural environment. Peace education is the all-round education of each individual. Peace education should be extended to all learners, including refugee and migrant children, children from minorities and disabled with the objective of promoting equal opportunities through education.

TYPES OF PEACE:

A) FALSE PEACE:

Our societies have many false peace promoters trumpeting loud to their selfish motives being oblivious of the common good. Empty promises of peace can be used to manipulate others. Deceitful men speak words of peace while secretly planning evil (Obadiah 1:7). The Antichrist will confirm a treaty, producing a temporary peace which he will then abruptly shatter as he reveals his true colours (Daniel 9:27).

False teachers proclaim peace when God is actually proclaiming judgment (Ezekiel 13:10-16). In Jeremiah's day, the religious leaders dealt only with the symptoms of the national problems, without addressing the sinful root of the crisis. These false prophets declared everything was well between God and Israel: "Peace, peace," they said, when there was no real peace (Jeremiah 6:14).

B) INNER PEACE:

A word often translated "peace" in the Bible actually means "to tie together as a whole, when all essential parts are joined together." Inner peace, then, is a wholeness of mind and spirit, a whole heart at rest. Inner peace has little to do with external surroundings. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

He had also told His followers that "in this world you will have many troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). So peace is not the absence of trouble; it is the presence of God. Though he promised His peace, He didn't promise absence of conflicts.

To be continued ...