Is avoiding conflict enough, or does true peacemaking require action?
When I first heard President Russell M. Nelson’s general conference address “Peacemakers Needed,” I felt called to be a peacemaker in my relationships. I’ve learned as a middle child to see both sides when there are disagreements in my family. Though I’m not one to easily get offended, I strive to be sensitive of my words and actions to avoid inadvertently hurting others. What I took away from President Nelson’s talk is that my disposition and spiritual gifts can equip me to take on the mantle of peacemaker. But recently, my habit of merely avoiding contention hasn’t seemed like enough. Avoiding contention in my relationships is good, but I’ve realized I can do better.
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In his address, President Nelson refers to Article of Faith 13: “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” The word peacemaker includes the verb to make. Peacemaking is an action that requires creativity. The current social and political climates have especially seemed like breeding grounds for discord and hostility. News outlets seem full of negativity, and I worry that consuming only contentious information can lead to despair. To be an active peacemaker rather than someone who simply avoids conflict, what if I help others find what is virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy?
“[The Savior’s] true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation,” President Nelson says. We all can make peace through creating positive content, forming new friendships and connections, or even maintaining welcoming home environments. I believe that we all have a light to share, and sharing that light in dark times is a powerful way to make peace rather than merely avoid conflict
To learn more about how to be a peacemaker, read President Russell M. Nelson’s full address: “Peacemakers Needed.”
Source: General Conference
—Elizabeth Walker, Latter-day Saint Insights
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Find more insights
Learn more about ways to create and share your light by reading Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s general conference address “Happiness, Your Heritage.”
Learn more about the importance of peacemaking in political contexts by listening to David A French’s forum address given at BYU: “Why America Went Crazy and How You Can Stay Sane.”