November 15, 2025

Gospel of Luke 6:27-31

Be a Dove of Peace!

Jesus Christ says in his “sermon in the field” (Luke 6:27-31):

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other side to him as well. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would like them to do for you. 

Dear Readers,

the German EUROPA stamp I'm showing you today was designed by the Dutch artist Theo Kurpershoek (1914-1998). It shows many small birds forming one large dove. A wonderful image.

Flocks of birds exhibit what's called swarm intelligence. We humans also possess this ability to find solutions collectively. However, when it comes to creating peace among us and with one another, swarm intelligence doesn't seem to be very pronounced. This was already a deficiency during the time of the Apostle Paul. He had to write to the churches in Galatia (Letter to the Galatians, Chapter 5:15): "If you scratch and bite one another like wild animals, just be careful that you don't devour each other!" That's rather harsh criticism!

But he also criticized the church in Corinth for its internal strife. These Christians even took their disputes to secular courts. Paul writes: What a disgrace! And he exhorts them, entirely in the spirit of Jesus (1 Corinthians 6:7+8): „The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters.“

My impression is that creating peace is hard work. Anyone who wants peace in their family, among their neighbors, and in the Christian community (Not even to mention peace in the world!) must actively work towards it. Appeals are useless. I must take the first step! If I want peace, I must disarm my thoughts. I first must learn to think defensively. For us Christians, it begins with listening to Jesus. In his sermon in the fields, HE said: "What I am saying is for you who are listening!" Jesus wasn't referring to the distant emperor in Rome, but to mothers and fathers, the farmers, the shepherds who sat before him and listened.

So, the first step is to listen to Jesus and not turn a deaf ear! The second step to peace is to take his words seriously with the power of the Holy Spirit and ask him to become a "little dove of peace" himself. Together with many others, a community of peace can emerge that makes a difference. Many small peacemakers can do great things!

Thank you so much for your visit and listening to my thoughts. May our God bless you in spirit, soul, and body. May He grant you a heart full of peace. May He make you a messenger of peace. I look forward to seeing you again during my next short sermon on December 1, 2025.