Seek Peace
"Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." – Psalm 34:14

Bobby was just a high school sophomore when tragedy struck. His best friend was killed in a senseless drive-by shooting. Grief wrapped around him like a heavy blanket, but when he met up with his circle of friends, sorrow turned into smoldering anger.

The tension was heavy. Ideas for revenge ignited in the air like sparks from a fire. Some were ready to strike back against the gang responsible. As Bobby stood among them, torn between pain and rage, his heart wavered. A part of him wanted to join in the chaos.

But then he thought about his friend’s family—the empty chair at dinner, the dreams forever left unfulfilled. No prom, no college graduation, no chance to work alongside his father or marry his high school sweetheart.

A voice cut through the dark thoughts. "What do you think we should do, Bobby?" one of the troublemakers asked.

Bobby drew in a shaky breath. "I want to hurt them. I want to hurt them all... but that gets us nowhere. If we keep hurting each other, it never ends. Jimmy wouldn’t want that."

Silence followed his words. Slowly, the group began to understand. They chose peace, even though it wasn't easy. Weeks later, the police arrested the gang members responsible. Justice was served without more bloodshed.

Reflection:
Seeking peace isn't a sign of weakness—it's a reflection of strength and wisdom. It takes courage to resist the pull of revenge and instead trust in God’s justice.

Quote:
"Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God’s guiding hand in the midst of chaos."

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, sometimes my emotions push me toward choices that don't honor You. Give me the strength to pause, seek Your wisdom, and choose peace. Help me to be a light in situations where darkness threatens to take over. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings, Pastor Stephan