HOW DO WE ACHIEVE INNER PEACE

“We live in a world where peace seems elusive. War, armed conflict, and terrorism constantly take their toll somewhere in the world, and crime, gang violence, and other illegal activities affect the peace in our cities and towns. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters disrupt peaceful lives, and the quakes in the economies of the world have left many struggling.  Some threats to our peace are more individual. Physical or emotional problems, pain, personal debt, addictions, fear, worry for others, and sins—either our own or someone else’s—can obstruct a peaceful outlook in our individual lives.

The scriptures refer to two types of peace we hope for in our lives. One is the absence of war, turmoil, and strife among nations, groups, or individuals. The other is the inner peace of the soul.

Inner peace is a fruit of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul said, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith” (Galatians 5: 22 in the Bible). Sometimes we become so focused on our quest for peace that we forget it is one of the fruits of a righteous life. Our best course for finding peace is to live righteously—to keep our covenants. This is the only course that leads to that inner peace we all desire. The adversary would tempt us to put all our efforts into directions other than a righteous life in our search for peace, but if we do this we will be disappointed in the end.”  (Paul V. Johnson “Where Can I Turn for Peace”, April, 2013 Ensign (Liahona) Magazine)

The Prince of Peace

The Savior Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”   (Isaiah 9: 6 in the Bible)

The Savior said to His apostles, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  (John 14: 27 in the Bible)

The peace the Savior refers to is the sense of well-being and serenity that comes from keeping His commandments and having the Spirit of the Holy Ghost with us.

Peace Comes Through Keeping the Commandments of God

What our Savior taught about peace in one life also applies to peace in a family, peace in a nation, and peace in the world.  Dallin H. Oaks said, “The Savior and His Apostles taught of the importance of individual righteousness, loving one’s enemies, and living peaceably with all.  War and conflict are the result of wickedness; peace is the product of righteousness, the blessings of the gospel are universal, and so is the formula for peace: keep the commandments of God.  In modern time the Savior taught, ‘But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.’  (Doctrine and Covenants 59: 23). Peace in a nation requires righteousness in the people of the nation.  If each person would have peace within his soul, then there would be peace in the family. If there is peace in each family, then there is peace in the nation. If there is peace in the nations, there is peace in the world.  It all begins with the righteousness of each individual as he strives to keep the commandments of God.” 

(Dallin H. Oaks Remarks in the 2019 Christmas Devotional in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Achieving Peace in The World Is Possible Through the Influence of Jesus Christ

Most people are not aware that after the Savior was resurrected in the Holy Land, he appeared to people living on the American Continent and taught them His Gospel, performed miracles and also organized His church among them.  So profound was His influence on them that as a nation they lived in peace and righteousness for over 200 years.  “And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.  And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.”  (4 Nephi verses 15–16 in the Book of Mormon)

The Savior Will Bring Peace

When the Savior Jesus Christ returns to the earth to rule and reign, peace will be established on the earth.  Speaking about the second coming of the Savior, Isaiah said, “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children” (Isaiah 54: 13 in the Bible)