Love is a truly divine choice.

Matthew 5:9  (NIV)

Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

Peace in a world constantly at war is very trying.

Encouraging cooperation in schools where students compete is quite difficult, but not impossible. It all depends on the teacher's focus. Those who come through and promote cooperation and peace with subliminal success are the ones who never give up, the ones who have a heart after our Heavenly Father who urges us to live in peace and cooperation. It's then that we are truly part of God's family.

Who in their right mind would prefer to promote competition and fighting within their own families? This would be insane; still many do so, and they are the ones who end up fed up with life. There is a much better way: promoting peace and cooperation, creating a heavenly atmosphere, so that everyone can enjoy what we were meant to be: A Godly family that will secure eternal rewards. It all depends upon where our priorities lay.

A French journalist decided to see for himself how Jews were treated in Paris. He disguised himself as a Jew, with fringes and a kippa. A bodyguard was nearby, as well as a camera man who had his camera hidden in his backpack. Deep down, this journalist was scared. As he went through a neighborhood where women's heads were covered with veils, most people were shocked to see him walking in their midst. Some avoided him, others looked at him with contempt, others were scared. One little boy exclaimed: "Why is he here? Doesn't he know he will be killed here?" A nearby merchant cried out: "You should be ashamed! What are you doing here wearing a kippa?"

Herein lays the danger of coming to hasty conclusions: "All of these people are filled with hatred! They should be exterminated!" Doing so would put us at the same level of those promoting hatred.

Nonetheless, many in such neighborhoods would do anything to promote peace and cooperation, saving those who many consider their enemies.

In January 2015, a kosher grocery market was taken over by terrorists. Upon hearing the commotion and gunfire, one Muslim employee turned off the stockroom freezer and hid several Jews inside. His quick thinking saved the lives of these Jews, and they were quite grateful to him.

In the same terrorist attack, four Jews found themselves right in the middle of where the action occurred. They were unable to hide, and they were shot. One immigrant from Morocco said he sure will miss his Jewish friend. With sadness he stated: "I am Muslim and my friend who is dead was Jewish. There was such respect between us. We were like brothers!"

We can all live in peace. It all depends upon where our priorities lay. It depends on our reality: love or hatred. Love is truly the divine choice.

Dear Lord, help our reality be of love rather than hatred.  Help us share Your love today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.