Within community we may consider the peacemakers as the more vulnerable due to their seeming desire to please everyone, or to find the lowest common denominator between beliefs or philosophies. But that is not peacemaking, that is peace faking. A community that is engaged in true and love-based peacemaking is not hiding from conflict, rather it takes note and considers anyone who needs advocacy, it listens to the voices of the marginalized and makes space for a healthy dialogue and considers a path to meeting the needs they hear of.
When we are focused on peace, and not moving in any manner that would be considered violent, we make space for a path to peace. Bernice King, youngest daughter of Dr Martin Luther King, said this, "Nonviolence works! And it isn't about false peace. Nonviolence dramatizes the issue, stands up to oppressive power, and pursues justice. Its love-centered, strategic noncooperation with evil."
Peace is not a state of calm due to perfect conditions. Peace transcends our environment and circumstances, to allow us to observe, engage, and be at peace in the worst of conditions.
How can we grow in peace as a community of Jesus followers?