MINISTER’S NOTE 18 July 2021
The following poem by George Herbert (1593-1633)
articulates well how many people feel about
peace today, when there is so much conflict in the
world, family strife and divisions within the Church:
“Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave,
Let me once know.
I sought thee in a secret cave,
And ask’d, if Peace were there,
A hollow wind did seem to answer, No:
Go seek elsewhere …”
Ephesians 2 verse 14 does answer George Herbert’s
question as it says “Christ himself is our peace…”.
When we read this verse in context, we see that
whilst personal peace with God and the inner
peace that follows from the divine relationship is
important, we also realise that Christ as our peace
is about ending hostility and forging a new relationship
of unity in Christ. Christ is not only the source of
peace, but he alone can mend the broken, hostile
relationship between all warring parties. If we wish
to live without conflict among people, if we wish to
live fruitful lives in community with others, then we
must live in Christ.
As you think about your life, how you might be an
agent of Christ’s peace in your relationships, the
church, the community and beyond, do so bearing
in mind that peace is more than the mere absence
of conflict. Peace is about wholeness. It suggests
completeness, health, justice, prosperity and protection
for all. May Christ our peace be with you.
Every blessing,
Vuyelwa