Are there certain things that I can do to make peace easier to achieve? What things would they be? Can I cultivate peaceful practices? And where can I find support for this idea?
In a passage of Scripture where Paul was dealing with conflict within a body of believers, he offers this directive: “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19) Here, there are two pieces of wisdom and they support each other. 1) Follow after the things which make for peace. 2) Follow after the things by which we may edify one another. And really, having the second point in mind, will help me fulfill the first point: peace.
“Edify” comes from a Latin derived word and is related to the word “edifice.” Literally edify means to build up or strengthen. If my goal is edifying, building up, or strengthening, then following after the things which make for peace will be a natural consequence.
Do I seek to edify those around me? If yes, then I will also pursue ways to practice peace with them. Conflict cannot grow where good-will is the foundation. Do I edify? Do I follow after peace? Do you?
