Stephan Hoffman

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4: 8-9

Everyone is looking for peace. You have probably wondered if there is somewhere, anywhere, on this earth where one can live safely and in harmony. Inner peace is even more rare. Peace with God, your neighbour and yourself is not to be found in this world. This peace is possible only through Jesus Christ.

Paul is in prison because he preached that Jesus is Lord. From a human point of view, he is not experiencing much peace at all! Indeed, at that time Christians were treated as enemies of the state. And yet Paul speaks of a kind of peace that surpasses all understanding, and he says that this peace will be with us.

The secret to discovering this peace depends on the things you focus your thoughts on. Have you thought about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable today? It’s so easy for us to see the faults in circumstances and in other people. We so easily think about that which is false and detestable. We know that nothing draws people's attention like juicy gossip. The media know that bad news and scandal sells better than good news and achievements.

I'm sure there's something commendable or a virtue which is part of your life today; why don’t you focus on this anew and reflect the good? Perhaps you can get involved in something much more and bigger than yourself.

Paul pleads with the believers to follow his example. That which he taught and gave them, the things he said and did, they should do those things. I wonder whether we have the confidence to say these words to other people or even to our children? Can you say to a young person, "Follow my example, speak like you hear me speak, act the way you see me act"? Or do we sometimes tell our children to do what we say, and not what we do?

Let us live as examples of people who are focused on what is admirable. We have this promise that God himself, the only one who can give true peace, is with us.

Prayer: Father, so many times I set my mind on the wrong things. Envy, hatred, jealousy and lust turn my attention so easily from you. These things lead to unease and pain. Please help me to turn back to you and to focus my whole life on you. Thank you that I can know that you are the only source of true peace, and you came to make peace with me through Jesus Christ. Help me to live in peace with myself and with others. Amen