Linda Buxa

The people around me have been discouraged lately. (Wait, that sentence could be sorely misinterpreted. Let me try again …) The people around me have been discouraged lately because there seems to be so much division, so much discord, so much dissonance.

I get it. The current societal tone could easily weigh us down, but maybe we could instead see it as our personal mission. Paul, a man who went from creating discord among people to promoting peace with Jesus, issued this challenge: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11).

Strive for full restoration—In Greek, this literally means to mend your ways. Repair what’s broken in your life. Don’t allow trash to litter your life, and don’t give up on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in your life or in the lives of others.

Encourage one another—Let your words be ones that build up others, cheering them on and building bridges.

Be of one mind—You won’t be of one mind with unbelievers on eternal things. But, when it comes to other believers, be of one mind on things that matter.

Live in peace—Be a peacemaker and find more joy in reconciling than fighting. Then pass on the joy of love and grace to others.

And the best reward for doing that? The God of love and peace will be with you.