Prince of Peace, is one of my favorite names of the Savior. I love to study the different names of Christ, because each one helps us to better understand his character and how we can become more like him. This week I´ve had some studies and experiences that focused on this name of Christ, Prince of Peace.
The Guide to the Scriptures talks about the word "paz" (peace), in two different maneras:
1: Peace: Freedom From Conflict and Turmoil
In The Book of Mormon we can see this type of peace come and go a lot, between all the wars, conflicts, and arguing brothers. We can see this peace last for a while in 4 Nefi, it´s going so well that Nefi after 60 years of peace is like, looks like we´re still doing pretty good, then pops back in in another 50 years like, still pretty good, passing this short record down 2 more generations, later some problems again...but they live in peace for a long time. And Nefi gives us some insight on how:
15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
16 ... and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.
They had a love of God in their hearts and a love of all mankind, and I´d say they had developed Christlike Charity (Moroni 7:45-48).
I love the way that Profet Russel M. Nelson talked about this during the last general conference.
"Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ.13 Charity defines a peacemaker...
When we humble ourselves before God and pray with all the energy of our hearts, God will grant us charity.::14
Those blessed with this supernal gift are long-suffering and kind. They do not envy others and are not caught up in their own importance. They are not easily provoked and do not think evil of others...15
sisters, the pure love of Christ is the answer to the contention that ails us today. Charity propels us “to bear one another’s burdens”16 rather than heap burdens upon each other. The pure love of Christ allows us “to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things”17—especially in tense situations...
Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would. As we follow the Prince of Peace, we will become His peacemakers."
I have seen this week that this is the truth, and that as we can share this love of Christ and God, if we can feel their love for others, we can find peace. We had a lesson this week with a new family, were at one point we were talking about the Resurection (something that should be happy and full of hope) and one of the members of the family disagreed about part of what we were explaining, and from there started to go back and forth (between just this one family member) only talking about differences in what we believed. After a bit of this, I did not feel the spirit there like it was before, and I got the impression, 'Share your testimony of Christ'. Well that's what I did, in the middle of this discussion I said I would like to share my testimony about Christ. At that point, the rest of family had their attention caught a bit. I shared that Christ lives, that he loves us, and as I called each one of them by name in the room, that he knows each of us indivually. As I did so, everyone in the family looked up, when until this point they had not been interested much or focused at all. And I testified of the hope we have in Christ to live with our families for eternity. I could tell that they could feel the truth of these palabras (2Nefi33:3). And I know that they were true. And what at one point had seemed like might be the first and last visit with this family, turned into the just the start.
2: Peace: Peace From God to the Obedient
Hey, remember that peace that was in the earth for so long in 4 Nefi, well this is one of those reasons too.
12 ... but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in dfasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord.
When we follow the Lord and his commandments, make and keep our covenants, we have the promise to have his Spirit to be with us (3Nefi18:7). And his spirit will be our guide and will "show us all things that (we should) do" (2Nefi32:5). The spirit will be our guide in all things when we choose to be obedient and follow our Savior, and as we try to follow him and live as he did, we will share His light in the darkness (3Nefi18:24) and His peace in the contencion.
(It will also be easier to share peace and the love of Christ with others when we have found peace ourselves. So this is cool Alma38:8)
I know that as we come to know our Savior more and develop his love for others, we can share this peace with the world. So yep, bye.
"Peacemakers Needed"
Otras Escrituras:
Mosíah4:3,
3N27:5-6
Mateo 5:43-48
Mosiah4:11-12
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