The Desire for Peace (100 copies)

Size: 6” x 4.25”

There is virtually no news platform that doesn’t mention a war somewhere in the world. And, unfortunately, many wars don’t even attract media attention, as experts claim that dozens of military conflicts are happening in different parts of the world.

Furthermore, this is not the only problem. There are also private “wars”—family disputes, fights between neighbors, conflicts at work … and, of course, widespread crime. Hundreds of thousands of cases of domestic violence also occur annually, some of them with fatal outcomes. We can no longer even count the cases of street crimes and home burglaries...

Most people are convinced that, deep down, they are good.

But if others, who also believe themselves to be good, are not consciously lying, how can there be so much evil?

The Bible explains that this reality is not a coincidence. The first human couple didn’t want God to tell them what they should or shouldn’t do. Instead, they wanted to decide for themselves what was good and what was evil. However, after a short time, they failed completely. Lies, envy, and selfishness have shown their tragic consequences, leading to the destruction of relationships and murder.

It is evident that evil is present in all people, and does not simply disappear because we try to eliminate it.

Human attempts to establish peace quickly reach their limits.

However, most people do not want to admit this failure and seek God’s help. Many are too proud for that. At most, they want God to end the current dispute through a miracle, so they can continue as before. But God does not accept this. He wants a fundamental change of mindset, associated with the transformation of one’s own personality.

God has offered peace, and has also created the conditions for it. The most important thing is peace with Him. Whoever resolves this has inner peace and the strength to live more peacefully. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself … having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20).

Christians should not only avoid quarrels, but also lead others to live in peace with one another. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

Jesus even demands that we love our enemies and pray for those who harm us: “…Love your enemies … and pray for those who … persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

We ourselves are incapable of doing this, but Jesus promised to give the strength for this supernatural peace to those who are willing: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

In the future, God will create a new earth and a new heaven, where there will be no more sickness, suffering, death, or war. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

All those who make peace with God during this life will be able to participate in this eternal kingdom of peace.

To do this, it is necessary to acknowledge one’s own guilt before God and sincerely ask for forgiveness. Anyone who is not proud or presumptuous can do this today and, in this way, become a son or daughter of God. It will be possible to overcome personal conflicts, forgive, and feel God's peace in one’s heart.

Michael Kotsch