I. Introduction

I believe that we all need peace, safety and security and we all need a place to live, food to eat, and to be in good health. These are basic aspects of life that contribute to well-being, comfort, and a sense of calm. This morning, we especially want to focus on the importance of experiencing peace in our lives. Whether in our homes, in society or here at church, we all need peace, and loving kindness. No one wants to be hurt, disparaged, disrespected or ignored. The need for peace is widely recognized yet maintaining and achieving it has proven to be consistently challenging over time.

II. Seek Peace and Pursue it.

The following two passages highlight the significance of the Christian community's calling and character. Paul writes to Timothy, his brother in Christ in Ephesus, urging him that prayers and intercessions be made for all people, and for all those in positions of authority, so that everyone can live a peaceful and quiet life. Praying for both the righteous and the ungodly, including those seen as enemies, so they may find salvation and understand God, reflects a godly life. It pleases God that they, the authorities, be prayed for, for proper governance and for their salvation, which would result in a peaceful life where all people have their basic needs met, experience safety rather than fear, and can coexist harmoniously within a community.

In 1 Peter, the apostle addresses the churches in Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia rejoicing in the work God had done through them so they could spread the message of a living hope to these regions. During a period of persecution, these apostles believed it was essential to provide guidance to the churches regarding proper conduct and the practice of prayer. They are called to live in a way that pleases God, even if they face hostility and injustices in the broader society. They had to distinguish themselves from what they saw in the outside world. They must be different. They must show cohesiveness, a kind of harmony that is different from the outside world. They must rid themselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander, and must crave the spiritual milk like a newborn baby. (Chapter 2 v 1 and 2). A true Christian life, Peter says, is a life lived in harmony with one another, where there are compassion, kindness and humility. It is a life committed to the well-being of the whole community. It is a community where each person’s role and calling conform to the overall purpose of the community. There exist a shared perspective and a mutual understanding, whereby they can consider situations from each other's viewpoints. It is a place where they must avoid retaliation and acting in a negative way. They must seek peace and pursue it. The community of faith IS a place of peace, and mutual understanding, and they must pursue this, because the Lord’s eyes are on the righteous, and attentive to their prayers, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

III. Conclusion

Dear members and friends of Barre Congregational Church... the apostles of the early church, and the early church itself faced enormous challenges. As followers of Christ, they still lived in a society where there were injustices and persecution and hostility, and they needed to remain steadfast in this newfound faith of love and compassion. They were called to be the church of Christ, loving God and loving their neighbor as themselves, and loving the stranger as Jesus did. The church today is an extension of this early church and we as the church of Christ must show love and harmony within and amongst each other. We are called to find mutual understanding as we work to deal with our disagreements. We must be like Christ, humble and not retaliate against the other, but be a blessing to each other. It is hard to live up to these standards, but this is the light of God we must carry within us, and shine outward among ourselves and into a world which needs the light so much. We are also encouraged to offer prayers for all people, including those in leadership positions, regardless of how we feel about their behaviors and performance, in the interest of promoting peaceful coexistence. It is our calling as followers of Christ, and so we ask God to help and strengthen us to pray, seek peace and pursue it always. Amen.