As I heard the news of people killed, maimed and traumatized by a suicide bomber in yet another part of the world my heart cried for all those concerned. Only the other day with our church young people, we talked about the 50 places in the world most dangerous for Christians. Country number 5 just featured in the news, killing Christians, Muslims and innocent.
Since the time of the Fall there has been conflict and strife. It can take the form of suicide bombing down to an argument with a neighbour. Whether we are ordinary people or world leaders, we want our own way. We think that we are right and others are wrong.
But the world needs the peace and harmony which the world cannot give. No wonder Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.’ Matthew 5. How can people like us be peacemakers, we do not sit at conference tables where decisions are made. But we can still be peacemakers. May we never pass on gossip, true or untrue. May we see the good in others and let go of our rigid opinions. My we continue to pray for the war-torn countries of the world and remember the words of Jesus, ‘My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives peace.’