Proverbs 3:29-30
“Do not devise harm against your neighbor, while he lives securely beside you. Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.”
How can we build a peaceful community? Well, we can think of a lot of ways to establish and promote peace. One of which is avoiding inflicting harm to people both verbally and physically. Certainly, some communities are hostile compared to other barangays, districts, or cities depending on the kind of neighborhood upbringing. Some are quieter and more peaceful. Some have peace and order while others have threats and violence.
Nonetheless, regardless of what neighborhood you are in, this verse teaches us to be a peacemaker. It’s a different story when your neighbor tries to sneak into your house while you and your family are asleep at night. Being ready to protect your family and defend your loved ones is a sign of wisdom as well.
Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Mk.12:30-31). One evidence of doing that is by not creating trouble and injuries to our fellow man and by providing help and care for the needy. By the way, there are forms to harm your neighbors, and by knowing these, we can avoid them. Such are gossiping, physical injuries, cursing, maligning, false accusations, wrong testimonies about them, backstabbing, and withholding truth. In short, these are the mental, emotional, and physical damages that we can inflict on any man.
If we desire to have a peaceful community, we must begin to promote it by being a peacemaker and care providers. The best way to build a peaceful community is to preach Christ and His word to our neighbors. We must have a transformed heart and renewed mind first by encountering the Great Peacemaker Jesus Christ our Lord.
He said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He’s inviting us to experience Him, and His peace. In Him, there is no harm and in Him, there is eternal peace even in a lifetime of war and chaos.
Come to Him, and do not lose your chance, there is only a little time left. Come to Christ Jesus and be saved.