SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT!

People Can  Become Peaceable

Note that before people can pursue a peaceful course, they must be instructed in Jehovah's ways. Obedient response to Jehovah's teaching can change a person's way of thinking and acting, so that one who has been belligerent becomes peaceable. How is this transformation accomplished?  Romans 12:22 says:  "Quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable  and  perfect will of God." We make our mind over, or motivate  it in a different direction, by filling it with principles and precepts from God's Word. Regular Bible study of the Bible helps us to make  this change and enables us  to prove to ourselves what Jehovah's will is for us, so we can see clearly the way we must go. -Psalm 119:105.

Bible truth transforms not only our pattern of thinking but also our actions and personality. It helps us to do what the apostle Paul urged:  "Put away the old personality which conforms  to your former course of conduct and which is being corrupted according to his deceptive desires; but . . .be made new in the force actuating your mind, and . . . put on the new personality which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty." (Ephesians 4:22-24)   The force that actuates the mind is internal. It is transformed and becomes powerful as our love for Jehovah and his law grows, and it makes us spiritual and peaceable people.

The need for this transformation is seen from the instruction Jesus gave to his disciples during his final hours with them:   "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you; that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." (John 13:34, 35)  The Christlike, unselfish love binds the disciples together in perfect unity.  (Colossians 3:14) Only those who are willing to accept and live by this "new commandment" will enjoy the peace that God promises. Are there any people doing this today? 

Jehovah's Witnesses endeavor to show love in their worldwide brotherhood.  Though they are drawn from all the nations of the world, they do not get involved in the world's controversies, even when they are subjected to severe political and religious pressure. As a united people,  they are taught by Jehovah, and they enjoy peace.  (Isaiah 54:13) They remain neutral in political conflicts, and they do not participate in wars. Some who were formerly violent have given that life-style.  They have become peace-loving Christians, imitating the example of Christ Jesus. And they wholeheartedly follow Peter's advice;  "He that would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from what is bad and his lips from speaking deception, but let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it." -1 Peter 3:10, 11; Ephesians 4:3. 

Next time: SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT! -Those Who Are Pursuing Peace

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997