August 2017
1st Prize-winning article
of the “Peaceful Living” Contest
Peaceful Living
Dr. I. Alfred Ebenezer, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
The time in which we live is rife with tussles
and fights. Even among families there are
relationship problems between husband and wife,
brothers and sisters, parents and children, mothers-
in-law and daughters-in-law. One nation rises against
another. There is the news of terrorism everywhere.
Murder, violence, robbery are on the raise. Peace is
found nowhere. People do not know how to
peacefully coexist. Even though many steps have
been taken to reduce tensions among the nations and
communities, peace seems somehow to elude us.
who have offended us. But there is bitterness deep
down in our heart. We no more mingle with that
person as before. We keep a safe distance. If we have
forgiven like Christ has forgiven us, then we should
have intimate relationship like before. We need to do
good to them. Jesus gave His life for everyone and
through His death, His love was revealed (Rom 5:8).
He loved us even while we were yet sinners.
Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers (Gen
37:19,20, 42:21,22). But he forgave them and
initiated the reconciliation process without a hint of
vengeance (Gen 45:9-11).
The Bible encourages us to, “Strive for peace
with everyone” (Heb 12:14). Jesus Christ, the
“Prince of peace” came into this world with the
message of peace. Just before He left the world, He
told His disciples that He was leaving “His” peace
with them. The peace that Jesus gives is the only
solution in this chaotic world. Hence, let us meditate
from the Scriptures as how we can obtain the peace
that God gives us.
1. Forgive as Christ Forgave You
The main reason behind all of our relationship
problems is the refusal to forgive people.Consider
the life of Jesus. When He was living in this world, he
healed many lepers and lame men. He did many good
things (Acts 10:38). But the Jews mistreated Him and
crucified Him. Even while He was on the cross, he
looked at the people who were mocking at Him and
said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what
they do” (Luke 23:34).
Many a time we say that we have forgiven those
Doing good to those who do good is easy. But
Jesus taught that we should do good to those who do
evil (Mat 5:44). Tooth for tooth, eye for eye is the way
of the world. But as children of God, we need to do
good to those who do evil.
After the Second World War, Germany was
divided into East Germany and West Germany.
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