"If ever there was a time when we needed peacemakers,
it is today; today seems to be a most appropriate time to discuss what
we might do to assist in establishing peace, at least within our
relationships.
Have you ever wondered how you could be a peacemaker? I would like to
mention a few possibilities. Really, our opportunities are unlimited.
Certainly in our homes, as well as elsewhere, we can all be peacemakers
by exhibiting love and goodwill, thus offsetting the evil of
contention, envy, and jealousy. Where misunderstandings exist between
children and parents we can encourage adjustments on the part of both.
We can pray together for the spirit of peace.
Homes can be seriously disrupted because of family strife. At times,
husbands and wives in an atmosphere of contention destroy their own
happiness as well as that of their children.
Divorces seem to be continually increasing. Many of these divorces
undoubtedly could have been avoided if peacemakers had been involved
during periods of strife.
An interesting example that I was closely associated with and which I
have referred to previously was one in which several young adults
became peacemakers in their homes.:
A
very wise bishop called several young people into his office and said
to them: “I would like you to help me in an experiment. I would like to
prove the impact and influence of one member on the spirit of the
family. For one month, I would like each of you to be the peacemaker in
your home. Don’t say anything about this to your family, but be
thoughtful, kind, and considerate. Be an example. Where there is
quarreling or bickering among members of your family, do whatever you
can to overcome these faults by creating an atmosphere of love,
harmony, and helpfulness.
“When you are irritated—and
irritations arise in almost every family—control yourself and help the
others to control themselves. I would like to see every home in our
ward be ‘a bit of heaven on earth.’ At the end of the month, I would
like you to meet with me again and report.”
It was a challenge for these young
people, and they met the challenge in a wonderful way.
When they reported back to the bishop,
remarks such as these were made. One young fellow said: “I had no idea
I would have so much influence in my home. It’s really been different
this last month. I’ve been wondering if much of the turmoil and strife
we used to have was caused by me and my attitudes.”
A young lady said: “I guess we were
just the normal family with our selfishness causing little daily
conflicts. But as I have worked with my brothers and sisters, a lot of
this has been eliminated, and there has been a much sweeter spirit in
our home. I believe you really have to work at it to have the spirit of
peace in your home.”
Another young lady reported: “Yes,
there has been a much sweeter and cooperative and unselfish spirit in
our home since I began this experiment, but the biggest difference of
all has been in me. I’ve tried hard to be a good example and a
peacemaker, and I feel better about myself than I have ever felt. A
wonderful feeling of peace has come over me.”
Brothers and sisters, how would you
like to try the bishop’s experiment in your home by being a peacemaker
for one month? In the words of the bishop, “Where there is quarreling
or bickering among the family members, do whatever you can to overcome
these faults by creating an atmosphere of love, harmony, and
helpfulness. When you are irritated, control yourself and help the
others to control themselves.”
I can promise you as you try this
experiment and become a peacemaker in your home that the rewards will
be most gratifying.
Another way we can be a peacemaker both in our home and our social and
business relationships is by avoiding criticism.
Did you ever stop to think that every time you criticize, you are
judging?
Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said:
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.
“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.” (Matt. 7:1-2)
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