In the Christmas Carol “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it states, “And in despair I bowed my head There is no peace on earth, I said, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.” All of us know people who are filled with hatred and anger, are unforgiving, lose their temper often and hurt others to get what they want. As a result, conflict is common in some families, communities, churches, schools and the work place. Nations fight against nations for power and greed. In this environment how can we achieve real peace in our lives?
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.
The Savior fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy that “the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever” (Isaiah 32: 17 in the Bible)
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.
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 miracle 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) The fourth verse of I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day is “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men”
Dallas Jones is the local leader for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of the article came from the talk of Dallin H. Oaks in the 2019 Christmas Devotional. Any questions call (231) 383-8359 or send an email [email protected]