"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' "
These versus illustrate of the harsher truths of God's kingdom and how not everyone will open their heart to the word. Some are full of prejudice, hate and pride and these hearts resist Christ's offer of peace. His message will divide people, families and nations. This is hard for me to comprehend, a God of love offering peace but...it will cause strife. I think this is due to the ego, something we need in order to survive this world but also it gets in the way of humility. Through our giving of will to our higher power we find humility and with this peace. Christ is the ultimate goal, to be like him in grace and love and heart. We will not reach this goal, but what a great aspiration for our lives. I've noticed that through reading and practicing the teachings, following the commandments and loving like Christ, I have had more peace in my life than when "I was in control." Our family can be a family of believers. I hope to give this open heartedness to my sons so one day they can also exist in this light of lights, this peace, Christ's love.
This is beautiful, Abby, and deals with a very hard to swallow passage. Yes, a God of Love offering peace, but recognizing that conflict will be the reality because he has given us the freedom to choose, and His doctrine and plan which demands that we choose to accept Him and follow His teachings, or reject them and seek our own path. When we truly understand that He is the source of all goodness, that we cannot reject him without turning away from light and happiness and truth, then most of us will want to follow. But coming to this understanding takes much time and experience, especially for so many who are brought up without this understanding. Our efforts to help our children embrace Christ are the greatest work on earth, we are trusted with their sweet souls from their very source. How much suffering could be alleviated if every child could be taught from the beginning.
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