Peacemaking requires courage, restraint, and faith as we respond to conflict in a way that reflects the Savior’s example.
Recently, while reading comments on a news article, I watched an argument spiral. One person tried to calm everyone down, but they were quickly dismissed. “Now is the time for action,” someone shot back. It struck me that choosing peace is often seen as passive, weak, or even impossible.
In his talk “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Elder Gary E. Stevenson offers a different perspective: “To be a peacemaker is not to be weak but to be strong in a way that the world may not understand.” He reminds us that peace is not found by just waiting for things to get better, but by acting Christlike in three essential places: our hearts, our homes, and our communities.
Peacemaking begins in the heart. Elder Stevenson poses the question, “Can I truly become a peacemaker when the world is in commotion, my heart is filled with fear, and peace seems so far away?” With divisive headlines and polarizing speech, it’s easy to fall into a state of unrest—but we can choose to seek out peace through prayer, humility, and trust in the Savior.
This inner peace then extends into the home, where we can choose to act with patience, forgiveness, and restraint. Elder Stevenson invites us to commit to responding with love, not frustration. It is through these small, consistent efforts that we can create a home filled with the Spirit, where our families can become a source of strength and unity in troubling times.
Finally, peace can be extended into our communities. Whether online, at work, or in our neighborhoods, peacemaking demands action. We need to listen, seek understanding, and respond with courage and compassion. This begins with hearts and minds that are at peace with themselves.
As disciples of Christ, we are invited to examine our hearts, homes, and communities. With consistent action and self-reflection, we can build bridges of kindness and unity and find solace in our Savior. As Jesus teaches, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
To learn more about peacemaking, read Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s full general conference talk, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers.”
Source: General Conference
—Janna Miller, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY COLTON DUKE
Find more insights
For additional help finding peace, read and watch Elder Quentin L. Cook’s talk “Personal Peace in Challenging Times.”
Learn more about active peace by reading the Latter-day Saint Insights article “Avoiding Conflict or Creating Peace?” by Elizabeth Walker.