In the Bible passage the Apostle Paul urges us to ‘strive’ for restoration.  To really make it something we work for.  Of course, there may be times when it is not possible to seek peace with someone, for example in the case of abuse, justice is certainly a central theme of the Bible too.  But in these times, it may be possible for those who have been harmed to find peace at a distance, a peace which helps to find new life beyond the harm that as been done to them. I wonder what it might mean for each of us to seek peace?  Is it something we’re willing to chance?  Apostle Paul urges us not to do this alone, perhaps this is because it’s so risky.  Rather he says… ‘And the God of love and peace will be with you.’  Amen to that. Gareth Hutchinson July 2021

‘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. I don’t know about you, but I think peace is actually quite tricky.  Elton John sang that ‘sorry seems to be the hardest word’.  We’ve all, I’m sure, had moments when we have quite unintentionally upset somebody, we’ve broken the peace.  In the midst of a disagreement it is so very easy for things to escalate, to say something that hurts or shames the other person.  The temptation to try and ‘win the argument’ is huge.  In these moments, peace is certainly not about ‘stillness’, it has to be worked for, grabbed onto, prioritised.