What a great ministry it is to pursue peace with men of good will---peace in one's household, peace in the church, in the place of work, peace in the city, peace in the country. To be at peace with all we meet, to be joyful at meeting with them---this is a gift of God.
If we observe the world at large, it is not like this. The "world," as it is referred to in Scripture, is always ready to exclude others, to refuse the hand of love and friendship, to cast out the stranger. But the kingdom of God is not like the world. The poor, the lonely, the frightened, the outcast---all find a place in the kingdom. Scripture says, "Even the sparrow finds a home to lay her nest near Your altars, O Lord of hosts." If we receive the Lord of hosts into our hearts, minds, and bodies, we become like He is---welcoming and extending peace to all who will receive it, and even to those who will not.
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