Christian Peace Education creates space to develop creativity and relationship

What can we learn from this picture?

Line 1 – 3 shows “conflict the destroyer”.

Line 4 – 6 shows “conflict the creator”.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

There is no peace in society when there is no peace in family

Children learn cooperation and dealing with conflicts in their families.

Children learn how to treat each other with dignity in their families.

Children also learn hating other groups of people and misstrust in their families.

“Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.” (Ephessians 5:21)

Harmed people harm people – peace starts in our heart

When we face losses, it is our decision to either mourn and start the journey of healing or getting bitter and seek revenge.

“… cloth yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all put on love… Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:12-1)

Every conflict has its roots and a unique history

If you want to solve a conflict, do not fight the results.

This is like cutting the branches of a tree. They will come again. Start to eliminate the roots of the tree.

Likewise, reflect together with both sides on solutions to solve the root causes of the conflict.

If you want to understand root causes, you need love in your heart to listen to all parties without biase.

“The Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” (Micha 6:8)

Promoting peace needs building a network of trust with different parties

Conflicts happen when relationships get broken.

We learn from the spider how to build a good network of relations. The spider looks for points that can be trusted to fix his net (he does not fix his net on an animal).

To promote unity in society, we need to build trust with trustworthy people from the group where relationships got broken.

This helps to “fix our roof on fire”.

“Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.” (Romans 12:18)

Nobody strives for peace without hope that change is possible

Unity in Christ gives us hope and strength that change is possible. It helps us to analyse, find creative solutions and encourage each other to strive for justice in love.

“Love one another warmly as Christians, and be eager to show respect for one another … Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.” (Romans 12:10, 12)

Faith in God gives confidence and strength

Silence and prayer helps our hearts to calm down and to get new strength. It is like looking in a mirror. We can feel God’s peace within us. We also feel what seperates us from  Him.

Through silence, we feel God’s love and hear His voice in our heart telling us what we are called to do to promote healing and justice.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)