Day of Peace
International Day of Peace
A Message from District Apostle Schnabel
As we approach September 21, the International Day of Peace, I invite you to reflect on a simple but profound question: What can I do to promote peace? Established by the United Nations in 1981, this day serves as a reminder that peace is not only the responsibility of governments and world leaders. Lasting peace begins in the hearts of individuals and is lived out in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and churches.
This year's theme from the United Nations, "Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day," reminds us that peace is built through countless everyday actions. While international agreements and diplomacy are important, peace is also shaped by ordinary people who choose kindness over conflict, understanding over division, and forgiveness over resentment.
As Christians, this message resonates deeply because peace is at the very heart of the gospel. The prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated that true peace is not dependent upon perfect circumstances. He remained calm in the storm, responded to hatred with love, and even while suffering on the cross prayed, "Father, forgive them." His life teaches us that peace is not simply something we hope for, it is something we actively practice.
Jesus also calls His followers to be peacemakers. Peace does not mean we will never face adversity. Our families, workplaces, communities, and even our congregations can experience moments of tension and misunderstanding. Yet our example has been, and should always be, Jesus Christ, who consistently chose compassion over retaliation and truth spoken in love over anger. When His peace lives within us, it begins to influence the people around us. We value His peace and we are willing to sacrifice for it. True peace, costs something.
This International Day of Peace, consider one practical way you can invest in peace. Perhaps it is offering forgiveness, encouraging someone who feels discouraged, reaching out to a neighbor, listening more attentively, or serving someone in need. These simple acts may seem small, but God often works through small acts of faithfulness to accomplish something much greater.
May each of us become an everyday architect of peace, allowing the peace of Christ to shape our words, our actions, and our relationships. May the peace of the Risen One, become visible through us, for everyone, everywhere, every day.