Don’t we all want to live in a world where there’s peace? I believe that’s a universal desire – one that God created within us.

However, when we think about contributing to an initiative for peace, we often look outside of ourselves. That’s unfortunate because peace is actually an inside job – at least it starts there.

In other words, if we’re not at peace within ourselves, we’ll be overly sensitive and easily offended. Our pre-occupation with ourselves and our own wounds will prevent us from being available to help others in a healthy manner. As a result, we’ll be defensive and argumentative, and peace will always be elusive.

On the other hand, if we’ve done the work to establish and maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves, we’ll have an inner peace and confidence. As a result, we’ll be free to focus on others and our calling; we can focus on being  ambassadors for God, providing peace and love.

Therefore, at the risk of oversimplifying the challenges we’re experiencing, I believe we can – and must get our relationship with ourselves on solid ground. The importance of that relationship really cannot be overstated.

Said another way; when we work out the conflict within our own hearts, we’re equipped to work on the conflict outside of us. Consequently, we can do what we’re commanded to do; we can love God, ourselves and others with ALL our hearts. It really is feasible. When we’re at peace with ourselves, we can live and love wholeheartedly. (Luke 10:27 NLT)