Are you a peacemaker?

Do you see and feel this atmosphere? Corona certificate or not, vaccination yes or no, the atmosphere is quite tense. The debate about vaccination and about the certificate is heated even among Christians. I, too, have stumbled into it. But if we look closely, this is a practical question, which doesn’t have much to do with my faith in Jesus!

The question that challenges me: How do we handle this situation?

Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called God’s children.
Matthew 5:9

How can you, how can I become a peacemaker in this situation?

First of all, I need to realize that my knowledge of this situation is incomplete and that my opinion is an opinion and not an absolute truth. Is my opinion tainted by fears? If so, I can pray and lay my worries at Jesus’ feet and leave them there.

Secondly, the better I know the reasons for advocating or rejecting one “side of the debate,” the better I understand the people behind it. I see fears and concerns and perhaps the reasons for one position or another. Do people feel left alone with their concerns?

Thirdly, I can respect and love the other person in spite of a different opinion. For this, neither I nor the other person has to change their mind.

In a nutshell, this means that I don’t take myself and my opinion too seriously and that I am open to other people’s opinions. I can let another opinion stand without fighting it.

Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to love and respect one another, especially among Christians! Is a different opinion reason enough to reject a sister or brother in faith? Both of us believe in the same Jesus – and thus it should be possible to talk about this topic with each other and to simply let an opposing opinion be! God values love and the relationship with each other more than an opinion. You don’t have to solve this problem, God is certainly better at it! Do you trust him with that?

Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other.
Romans 12,10

Instead of condemning or despising people, I can seek to talk to them and have an open ear. I can ask them: How are you doing? What is bothering you in this situation? Can I help? Should we pray together?
I can listen and show them that I take their concerns seriously. I can help them see that they are not alone. And maybe I can help them understand that on the other side there are also people who have fears and worries. The point of view is different – but this point of view also has its reasons.

If we manage to see and understand both sides, then we are able to love people and help them to turn their focus on Jesus, our friend and helper. And with that, hope and peace reappear! Jesus sees them and is with them. That is the most important thing in life! With or without a mask, with or without a certificate: God is good and has a plan for you and me.

God is pleased with all peacemakers who show that peace among each other is possible. Take your fellow Christians and of course other people by the hand, help them see what they have in common, what unites them and to direct their focus on this. Who do you know who is in need of this peace? Be a peacemaker!