In a moment of vulnerability and sheer honesty, a veteran friend of mine once told me, “I am violent by nature, peaceful by choice.” I think this is more true of us than we like to admit.
We inhabit a world that has always known war. Nations fight. People divide. Families fracture. Hearts harden. History is stained with conflict. In a world shaped by violence, humanity continues to long for peace.
Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “There was never a good war or a bad peace.” Leo Tolstoy observed, “The strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.” And Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Peace is not weakness. It is costly. It requires humility, forgiveness, restraint, courage, and truth. Sometimes the greatest battles we fight are not against flesh and blood, but against bitterness, pride, fear, and hatred within ourselves. Yes, we are often our greatest opponent.
In a culture addicted to outrage and division, choosing peace feels almost rebellious.
Let us be people who refuse to glorify war and violence. Instead, may we pursue understanding over accusation. God, help us carry compassion into wounded spaces. May we become instruments of peace in a world constantly preparing for war.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.5.9.ESV
© 2024 Rainer Bantau
Until my next post…
Be salty, stay lit.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
© 2026 Rainer Bantau | The Devotional Guy™ | All Rights Reserved
The Devotional Guy™ 
Sounds like fun! Enjoy OKC! Thank you for your encouragement and support.
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Amen, brother Rainer. Peace can fill the empty spaces between people. Someone else said that first, but I’m borrowing it. 🤗 I hope you have a great day, brother. I am off to a three day administrators conference in OKC.
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