January Devotions

Offering Peace

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to carry peace with them wherever they go? Their very presence calms a room. And then there are others who — without even trying — seem to generate an atmosphere of frantic energy, confusion, or even conflict.

Paul, in Romans 12:18, teaches that disciples of Jesus Christ are called to live in a way that runs counter to the currents of this world:

“Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Don’t insist on getting even. That’s not for you to do. ‘I’ll do the judging,’ says God. ‘I’ll take care of it.’”

But how do we live like that? How do we become people who carry peace instead of chaos?

Hafsat Abiola, a Nigerian human rights and democracy activist, offers a beautiful insight:

“Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.”

Perhaps this is close to the kind of peace Jesus spoke about — not the fragile peace that depends on circumstances, but a peace rooted in God, generous enough to create space for others to flourish.

Imagine dropping a pebble into a still pond. The ripples move outward, touching every part of the surface. Our actions — especially peaceful ones — work the same way. A gentle word in a tense moment, a patient pause before responding, a willingness to listen rather than react… these are small pebbles that create widening circles of grace.

And just as ripples can disturb the water when a stone is thrown in anger, our frantic or reactive behaviours can unsettle the environments we move through.

The question becomes: What kind of ripples am I sending out today?

Prayer

God of peace and stillness,

you entered our world not with force but with gentleness,

not with clamour but with calm.

Teach us to carry your peace into every place we step.

Quiet our hurried hearts,

soften our reactive spirits,

and help us to make space for others to grow,

just as you make space for us.

May our words be pebbles of grace,

our actions ripples of kindness,

and our presence a small reflection of your great peace.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Practice: Choose one peaceful response.

This week, look for one moment in which you might instinctively react — and instead choose a peaceful response: a softer word, a slower pace, a listening ear, or a prayerful breath before you speak.