CHAPTER 21 – LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN YOUR HEARTS
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” -St. Mother Teresa
“Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, not even if your whole world seems upset. If you find that you have wandered away from the shelter of God, lead your heart back to Him quietly and simply.” -St. Francis de Sales
“From humility of heart proceed serenity of mind, gentleness of conduct, interior peace, and every good.” -St. Paul of the Cross
The Coworkers of Christ believe that conflict is a natural part of human experience, but that it does not have to lead to violence or division. We are committed to practicing peaceful conflict resolution, seeking to address disagreements with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to find common ground. This involves active listening, respectful dialogue, and a genuine desire to understand the other person’s perspective. We strive to create a safe space where individuals can express their concerns and work towards mutually agreeable solutions. We recognize that conflict can be an opportunity for growth and learning, and we seek to approach it with a spirit of humility and openness.
Following the example of the Prince of Peace, we believe that reconciliation is always possible. We seek to bridge divides, heal broken relationships, and build bridges of understanding between people of different backgrounds and beliefs. This may involve mediation, dialogue, or other forms of conflict resolution. We are committed to working towards a world where conflicts are resolved peacefully and justly, where all voices are heard, and where every person is treated with dignity and respect. Our approach is rooted in the belief that peace is not simply the absence of war, but the presence of justice, love, and compassion.
The Coworkers of Christ, inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, embrace a commitment to Christian peaceful resistance to evil and injustice. We believe that love is the most powerful force for change, and that violence only perpetuates cycles of harm. Following the example of Jesus, who resisted injustice through nonviolent means, we strive to confront evil with compassion, truth, and a steadfast commitment to peace. This resistance may take many forms, including prayer, advocacy, acts of service, and peaceful protest. We seek to be agents of healing and reconciliation in a world marked by conflict and division, working to dismantle systems of oppression and promote justice for all. Our approach is rooted in the conviction that every human being is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
This commitment to peaceful resistance is not passive; it requires courage, resilience, and a deep faith in the power of love to overcome hate. We recognize that standing up for what is right may come at a cost, but we are sustained by the hope that even small acts of resistance can contribute to a more just and peaceful world. We draw strength from the examples of countless individuals throughout history who
have resisted injustice through nonviolent means, and we seek to learn from their wisdom and courage. Our resistance is not directed at individuals, but at systems and structures that perpetuate injustice. We seek to transform hearts and minds, believing that true and lasting change comes from within.
The Coworkers of Christ are committed to living as agents of peace and justice in a world marked by conflict and division. We understand that this transformation begins with each of us individually, cultivating peace and justice within our own hearts and lives. Through Christian centered peaceful conflict resolution and peaceful resistance we strive to embody the love and compassion of Jesus the Christ, working to heal broken relationships, dismantle systems of oppression, and build a more just and peaceful world for all. Our journey is rooted in faith, guided by love, and sustained by the hope that even small acts of peace, starting within ourselves, can contribute to a transformation of the world.
- Scriptural Support
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (ESV)
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Galatians 5:22 (ESV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (ESV)