I’ve become numb and almost accustomed to violence. Growing up I lived in Minneapolis, my neighborhood annually became more and more violent, until one summer the city was nicknamed “Murder-apolis.” I lost classmates when I was in high school. Years later as a high school basketball coach, I witnessed violent acts between young people over something as trivial as looking at someone wrong. These are just some of the signs that prove we live in a sinful, broken world. I become overwhelmed by how often I see violence as the primary source of conflict resolution. Violence has also become a means of showing power, and seeking rescue from some inner pain. Violence shows up in too many homes, too many communities, and first and foremost in too many hearts.
As Christians, we must be willing to be reconciling missionaries of peace in this violent world. We must stop simply Tweeting and posting on Facebook about the violence all around us and get involved in peacemaking, disciple-making, and community transformation. I realize that there are many Christians that already involved in this work, but not enough. When I think about the number of churches and Christians in this nation, I think about the potential size of this reconciling army.
Christians must also see ourselves as missionaries carrying the good news of Christ and housing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. God desires to showcase “a peace that passes all understanding” through The Church. This peace shows up first on the inside of the hearts of His children. It ought to lead us to being people of love, nonviolence, forgiveness, and grace. Only Christians carrying this peace of God can extend it to others and into communities for lasting transformation. This peace ought to show up through our presence. Christians must be strong and courageous enough to stand in the midst of environments where violence could take place for the sake of peace.
As Christians we must practice active prayer, engagement, and intervention. Over the years I have participated in many prayer walks through violent communities. I have seen gang members come to Christ. I have hugged people in tears, desiring God’s peace in their hearts. We must recognize and acknowledge that there are people in our families, at our schools, at our jobs, and in our communities who are the potential perpetrators of violent acts on some level. Are we intentionally praying for them? Are we intentionally being mentors and models of God’s peace among them? Are we reporting to others, when we suspect that violence could take place somewhere? We must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and reveal warning signs that would otherwise be unseen or ignored.
Finally, Christians must plant more healthy and thriving churches in violent communities. Churches are an outpost of the Kingdom of God that can bring sustained peace where there is none, it can bring hope where there is desperation, and it can thwart violence. With this small militia of peace, we Christians can become a larger army of peacemakers and reconcilers.
Read more from Efrem Smith.