What does it mean to be a peacemaker?

What does it mean to be a peacemaker?  To be one who sees and feels the pain of others.  Are we PeaceMakers or Peace Crushers?  How often are we offended by something when no offence was intended?  Or better yet, even when it is intended, how we react can be catastrophic if we take offense as opposed to turning the other cheek.  

Consider Pahoran the chief judge for instance (Alma 61).  When Moroni sent him an epistle criticising him, how did he receive the harsh words against him?  “It mattereth not, I am not angry.”  

How would that change our lives if we could truly live by that montra.  If we could humble ourselves to have Christlike love and concern for others, truly be a peacemaker,  even when there may be fiery darts being thrown at us.  To not be offended and consider honestly the reason for their feeling or saying what they said, felt or did.  It is so easy, at least for me, to allow the natural man in us to kick in, instead of having humility, compassion, love and concern.  How often do we allow anger, frustration, and hatred to fire back.  Because we become blinded by Satan’s lies, it’s easy to overlook there is a better way, the Savior’s way, he is the Prince of Peace,

In contrast, King Noah, that we have been reading about in Come Follow Me, (Mosiah 11:27) took a very different approach and perspective saying “Who is Abinadi?  That I and my people should be judged of him, and who is the Lord?”  What if he humbled himself and looked upon his heart to see why such things would be said of him?  Imagine how different the outcome, the pain, heartache and deaths that could have been avoided, and the blessings that could have come? 

I am so grateful for President Nelson, his example and his life of dedication.  He inspires me to do more and be better.  I know he is the Living Prophet of God, foreordained to direct us at this time through these unprecedented challenges.  I am so thankful he has the courage to follow the promptings of the Spirit, I know that is evidence of a lifetime of seeking and listening to His whisperings.  He gave this admonition in April 2019 conference:

“When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ!

Brethren, we need to do better and be better because we are in a battle. The battle with sin is real. The adversary is quadrupling his efforts to disrupt testimonies and impede the work of the Lord. He is arming his minions with potent weapons to keep us from partaking of the joy and love of the Lord.”

We know the Lord will bless all who will follow Him.  May we turn to him for strength and understanding of the things that we need to eliminate and implement in our lives.  God lives, Jesus Christ leads the Church of Jesus Christ through Russell M. Nelson today.  I am so grateful to be part of this Gospel!