Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14 NIV
Seek Peace
Peace and Stabilization Operations Program supports conflict prevention, dialogue, mediation, stabilization, peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery. When violent conflict and state fragility are left unchecked, the risk to international peace and security are great since such crises, which begin in one region, can quickly impact people living in another. Preventing and responding to such complex and dynamic issues requires a timely and coordinated effort from multiple Government of Canada departments, such as Global Affairs Canada, National Defence, Public Safety Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
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We live in a world in turmoil. I wish I could tell you that this was something new, but in fact, throughout my over 4 decades in full-time Christian ministry, I’ve made that statement countless times. It shouldn’t be surprising – reading through the pages of Scripture it is evident that the world has been in turmoil since sin entered into our experience. The moment Adam and Eve sinned, their relationship with their Creator was broken and peace was destroyed between God and them, and between each other. I often wonder what Adam and Eve must have thought when they had their first disagreement following the Fall. It wasn’t long until their son Cain killed his brother Abel and people groups took up crude armaments against each other. No wonder the Psalmist says this in Psalm 34:14: “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Turning from evil is a good description of repentance. Doing good is a good description of trusting Jesus. The moment we do, we experience peace as our relationship with our Creator is restored. No wonder King David here tells us to seek peace and pursue it. Internally, and with others.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley