“Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thess. 5:13).
We don’t have to live in a war zone to know peace resides first and foremost in the human heart—in our desire to live in harmony with those around us. There is an immediacy to peace that impacts how we speak, interact and help each other day by day. Peace is about peace-living and peace-making.
Many of our teenagers are not at peace with themselves or with their peers. Social media, apps and Twitter accounts often drive wedges between teenagers. Information and misinformation now can be shared and multiplied with the click of a button. One unkind word, one slur, one smartphone photo now can create a firestorm of controversy and conflict.
Centuries ago, the apostle Paul challenged a congregation to be at peace with one another. This peace is respect, helpfulness and unity. We would hope for the same in our youth groups, congregations and communities. We, as leaders can lead the way in the peace-making process. Peace can be a goal.
“Be at peace,” Paul said. This same peace can apply to the way we speak to each other or do not speak to each other. Teenagers can know this peace as they learn how to use social media as a positive connection rather than a negative one.
Be at peace.
