Love begins in the heart of man and brings peace to all men. This gentle thought was an answer to my desire to be more God-centered, more Love-centered, as I prayed for world peace.
It was related to a quote I had seen and cherished over the years after reading it on the United Nations building in New York City many years ago: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed” (Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). This made me realize that war begins and ends in the minds of men. For years this had encouraged me to watch against unintentionally starting or participating in a mental war by agitating for negative or merely human opinions; passing judgment on another’s behavior; condemning a news report; or negatively reacting in any way to another.
I find this compassionate guidance found in Mary Baker Eddy’s book Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896 very helpful: “We should remember that the world is wide; that there are a thousand million different human wills, opinions, ambitions, tastes, and loves; that each person has a different history, constitution, culture, character, from all the rest; that human life is the work, the play, the ceaseless action and reaction upon each other of these different atoms. Then, we should go forth into life with the smallest expectations, but with the largest patience; with a keen relish for and appreciation of everything beautiful, great, and good, but with a temper so genial that the friction of the world shall not wear upon our sensibilities; with an equanimity so settled that no passing breath nor accidental disturbance shall agitate or ruffle it; with a charity broad enough to cover the whole world’s evil, and sweet enough to neutralize what is bitter in it,—determined not to be offended when no wrong is meant, nor even when it is, unless the offense be against God” (p. 224).
This gentle thought was an answer to my desire to be more God-centered, more Love-centered, as I prayed for world peace.
These thoughts were useful after I once had an unpleasant interaction. While I had been using a device on a timer, the person next in line to use it stood over me and asked in a demanding, demeaning voice how much longer I was going to tie up the equipment. My reply was equally harsh, pointing out I would be finished when the equipment completed its cycle.
After praying about this later on, I saw that I needed to express more patience when listening to others. I needed to observe the good in everyone, and replace offense with forgiveness.
I began by establishing my prayers with an understanding that “God is love” (I John 4:8). God, Love, created me and everyone worldwide. With a heart anchored in Love, I would be able to block out loveless thoughts. They could not enter, disturb, interrupt, or invade me. This spiritual stand felt like a protective shield, maintaining and preserving me with this Love-centered thinking, and it had a practical effect.
I was amazed that this was the same person who had been so impatient. All I could see was a very nice individual.
A few weeks after the harsh interaction mentioned above, I was in the same location, and enjoying conversation with a small group of people, when the former individual came and sat next to me. This time, the exchange between us had no animosity. In fact, we all laughed together. I was amazed that this was the same person who had been so impatient earlier. All I could see now was a very nice individual. It felt as if I were looking through a clear window and seeing that the misunderstanding had been replaced with understanding, connection, and even humor. Impatience over differences had been replaced with patience and an enjoyment of new and fresh views.
Moving forward, if I find that my words are unintentionally harsh, I endeavor to replace them with a loving tone. Seeing the peace this provides, I realize that following Christ Jesus’ example of having one God, Love, and keeping God’s love in our hearts, brings peace individually, and it can collectively—worldwide.
