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During the Vietnam War, a 9-year-old girl suffered burns on more than 50% of her body. She survived, but endured 14 months of painful rehabilitation and scores of skin grafts. Despite her pain and suffering, she later placed a wreath at a Vietnam veterans’ memorial ceremony and spoke words of forgiveness. She said, “I have suffered a lot from both physical and emotional pain … but we cannot change history. We should try to do good for the present and for the future to promote peace.” The Bible gives strong approval for those who advocate and work for peace. One place is Philippians chapter 1, where the Apostle Paul says, “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Individuals and groups all across the world need to see models of peace and harmony among God’s people—especially in families, in churches, and between ethnic groups.
