As we seek guidance from the Bible on the concept of peace, we find profound reassurance in John 14:27, where Jesus proclaims, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
This message is echoed in Ephesians 4:3, which encourages us to “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
Peace can be understood as a state of tranquility, free from disturbances and conflict, embodying a harmonious condition of security and serenity. Essentially, it is the absence of chaos.
By addressing the sources of confusion that surround us, we can create an environment where peace prevails in every aspect of our lives.
The Watch Your Tongue Foundation identifies several elements that contribute to peace, including psychological well-being, economic stability, access to basic necessities, compliance with regulations, and environmental harmony.
As we approach the upcoming elections, it is vital that we convey a message of peace. With faith in God, we can overcome any challenges that arise. I firmly believe that this, too, shall pass. It is crucial to discuss the role of the church in consolidating Ghana’s peace.
The church must take the lead in promoting peace on a global scale.
At its essence, the church is rooted in peace. Since peace emanates from God, who is the Prince of Peace, advocating for peace becomes a noble duty that requires our utmost attention and protection.
While many view the church as a physical place of worship primarily for Christians, it transcends mere structures.
In the biblical context, the term “church” refers to the community of people who follow Christ.
The church must function as a comprehensive center for promoting spiritual peace—peace with God—as well as relational peace, which involves fostering harmony among individuals, and emotional peace, or the peace within ourselves.
The church has a vital role to play in sustaining peace within the community and the nation at large.
It can educate individuals about the importance of respect, discipline, obedience, and moral values, emphasizing the necessity of righteous living.
Furthermore, the church should advocate for human rights, championing the rights of all individuals, especially children, women, and marginalized groups.
Engaging in interfaith dialogue is another essential action, as effective communication can bridge gaps among diverse religions, ethnicities, and social factions, fostering peaceful coexistence.
During emergencies, the church can serve as a relief entity, demonstrating empathy and providing aid and support in times of calamity.
Additionally, the church can organize community engagement projects such as workshops and events that collaborate with other peace stakeholders to mitigate conflicts, violence, and intolerance.
Through healing, prayer, and intercession, the church can seek divine intervention to cultivate transcendent peace among humanity.
By pursuing these actions, we can expect to see the establishment of God’s will through the embrace of peace as divinely ordained, the conversion of souls to Christ, the church emerging as a beacon of hope for all, and enhanced freedom for the church to operate within society.
In conclusion, I urge all Christians to adopt the four principles of the Watch Your Tongue Foundation: think right, speak right, act right, and write right. By embracing these principles, we empower ourselves in the pursuit of peace-building.
By Daniel Ofori-Appiah
Founder, Watch Your Tongue Foundation Ghana
