More than Absence

Peace is often thought of as the absence of conflict, but this is only partially true. Ceasefires have been called due to holidays or special events, but the peace does not last. As soon as the ceasefire is over the war continues. On a personal scale, we have times in our lives when events occur — like the birth of a child — when we are so overwhelmed with grace and gratitude that we forgive for a time the wars of anger, hate, impatience, and judgment that battle within our minds.

Peace is more than an absence of conflict. Peace is a positive life force that extends all things good and kind toward all those around us — much the same as love. Weapons, such as negative attitudes and destructive ways of thinking are destroyed. Instead of dwelling on the bad, we dwell on the good. Instead of thinking of ways to retaliate, we seek ways to forgive and be forgiven. Instead of seeking justice, we seek pardon. For peace to be lasting and world-changing, it must be far more than an absence of conflict. It must be the presence of unconditional forgiveness and love toward ourselves and all others.