With so much strife in the world, we Christians have a true opportunity to live our faith. It doesn’t have to be in big, world-shaking ways, but just in our daily lives. We are called as Christians to spread God’s love and peace throughout the world. Think how much the world would be changed if we all did that right where we are in our daily lives.

To live a Christian life is a simple thing if difficult. There are several books in the New Testament that have the same thing to say to us:

Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Do everything in love.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:13b-14

Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

That’s four of St. Paul’s letters that end with a specific admonishment to live in peace with others. Jesus also reminds us in John 13:35 that the world will know we are His disciples by our love for each other. St. John thought it so important that he focused his entire first letter on the topic of love.

Combining these two ideas, a powerful and effective way for us to bring Christ’s light to the world is for us to love each other and those around us, living at peace with them as much as it is possible for us.

It doesn’t often cost us much in effort, time, or money. It can be as simple as holding a door open for someone who has their hands full or saying a kind word. It is treating everyone we meet like they’re God’s creation and a bearer of His image. They are infinitely valuable in the eyes of God and we’ve been repeatedly told in God’s Word that this should be part of how we live our lives as Christians — two very compelling reasons.

Be alert for opportunities to show God’s love to others and spread His peace. These opportunities are all around you every day. If all Christians truly lived like this, we could transform the world.