Keeping the Peace

By Tamara Leatham Bailey

The Lord has told us he will give us peace (see John 14:27). By sharing this gift, we can become peacemakers.

For personal peace—

• Strive every day to make Christ the center of your life. This solid foundation will bring you peace of mind and strengthen you in all of your activities.

• Make prayer and scripture study a part of your daily routine.

• Make use of the gift of repentance. True peace is possible only with an unburdened conscience.

• Don’t compare yourself with others. Accept who you are and do your very best all of the time.

To help others find peace—

• Accept and love your family members. Find the things you like in each person and focus on those attributes. When you have an opportunity to pay a family member a compliment, do it!

• Speak kindly. Remember the saying, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”

• Allow others to express differing opinions without quarreling with them. Variety keeps life exciting. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but recognize and respect the right of others to have their own views.

• Express your own opinions calmly. Join in when your family prays together. When it is your turn to pray, pray for peace and love in your home.

• Share the gospel of peace by bearing your testimony.

• Respect the religious beliefs of others (see A of F 1:11). Let your actions represent your beliefs. Sportsmanship, honesty, and fair play will help to create peace.

• Serve others. Even small acts of service can bring peace to another person.

• Pay fast offerings. This money is used to help people who are in need. This gift can help bring them peace of mind.

• Forgive those who have wronged you.

• Ask forgiveness of others.

• Spread the peace that is in your heart by spreading the gospel daily and serving a full-time mission when the opportunity comes to you.

Photograph by Steve Bunderson