With so much contention, conflict and evil as well as social, economic and personal problems, these days peacemakers are needed more than anything. Nothing will bring us more peace and tranquility in our lives than being a peacemaker.
Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean doing nothing but rather doing what is right. Each of us can differentiate and feel when we do the right thing and that will bring us happiness and peace. By doing so, we can be examples for our sons and daughters, in our homes and neighborhoods.
Treating others as we would like to be treated is a great life principle, including letting go of selfishness and being compassionate toward others. To do this, we don’t need to have the same ideas, beliefs or cultures.
We are all different, and that is what makes us unique. Let us make our lives worthwhile, let us do what is right, and let us be a blessing to the needy and the afflicted.
If we only love those who love us, what will be our reward? Even if they persecute us, let us be of good cheer. Let us not change our ways of acting.
So many of us make a great fuss over matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way.
The most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others.
Gordon B. Hinckley, former president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “The problem with most of us is that we’re afraid to stand up for what we believe, to stand up for what’s true and right. We want to do what’s right, but we’re preoccupied with our fears. So we sit back, and the world spins around us, and society increasingly adopts attitudes and standards of behavior that most of us don’t approve of.
“You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others.”
Hugo E. Martinez is President/Bishop of the Spanish Gavilan Branch in Gilroy of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. He is a member of the Interfaith Clergy Alliance of South County. Bishop Martinez can be reached at hu*********@gm***.com.
