It is relatively easy for me to see the need for shalom in communities where poverty and crime rule, where the people are longing and searching for a way out, a better life. The answer is easily said, “Jesus.” But what about the people who are happy, who see no reason to commit their “pretty good” lives to God? The people who claim to have no problems in the sake of looking put together. How is the Gospel good news for them? Where is shalom needed in their lives? How do we communicate the beauty of shalom? I find myself, ironically, getting frustrated at the thought of bringing shalom to a person who thinks they have no need for it, especially if that means rearranging their lives around this Jesus dude. My group and I came up with an answer that wasn’t exactly pleasing to think about. Shalom is communicated through display. We show shalom and the power God’s peace can hold. We pursue shalom in our own hearts, praying to and seeking Yahweh. Shalom is a multifaceted concept, with widespread implications. We are commanded to live amongst our culture, bringing aspects of shalom such as love, mercy, forgiveness, justice and grace. We get involved in social gatherings, we send our children to their schools, we care for the community we are now a part of. Shalom cannot be taught with words, but rather learned through experience. We are called to be on mission to the world, striving to uplift and dignify creation.
-Emilie
We talked a little bit about this one of the breakout sessions yesterday. Even those people who are “pretty good” still have things that they’re drawn to, and things the push back on. But figuring out what those things are…that’s tricky. Especially when as Christians we are all rather aware of our needs (or at least hopefully we’re aware of some of them).
Great questions, this is something very troubling but worth wrestling with. Shalom is an action that can only be learned, I feel, and “through experience,” as you put it. Thanks for this post!