Elder M. Russell Ballard on feeling and sharing peace

Elder M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"On more than one occasion, the Lord urged His followers to be 'peacemakers,' promising that such would 'be called the children of God' (Matt. 5:9). That concept is woven throughout the scriptures, creating a patchwork of peace through parable and proclamation:

"• 'Agree with thine adversary' (Matt. 5:25).
"• 'Love your enemies' (Matt. 5:44).
"• 'Judge not' (Matt. 7:1).
"• 'Love thy neighbour as thyself' (Matt. 22:39).
"• 'Condemn not' (Luke 6:37).
"• 'Forgive' (Luke 6:37).
"• 'Love one another' (John 13:34).

"Those are but a few of the scriptural instructions clearly indicating that God's peace is not to be hoarded. Rather, it is to be shared liberally with our families, our friends, and our communities. It is to be shared with the Church as well as those who are not members of our Church. While those around us may not choose to taste the sweetness and peace of the fulness of the restored gospel for themselves, surely they will be blessed by seeing it in our lives and feeling the peace of the gospel in our presence. The message of peace will grow and expand through our example.

"'Live in peace,' said the Apostle Paul, 'and the God of love and peace shall be with you' (2 Cor. 13:11)."

- M. Russell Ballard, "The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom," Ensign, May 2002, pp. 87-89
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How can we follow the Savior's injunction to be a peacemaker? Elder Ballard offers suggestions on things we can do in our lives to bring more peace to ourselves and to share it more effectively with others. It begins as we find peace for ourselves, and then share it with others:

So a peacemaker is one who can share peace by words and actions in all associations with others; but also, be an example of peace even when others may not be ready to receive or follow. We we are filled with peace, others will feel that peace in our presence. What a gift, to be that kind of person in a world filled with conflict and confusion!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)