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You asked

what practical steps could seeking the peace of a difficult community involve in modern life?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Jeremiah 29:7

Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

This verse is part of a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles living in Babylon, after Jerusalem had been conquered. He is encouraging them to settle down and contribute to the well-being of the place where they find themselves, even though it's not their homeland and they are there involuntarily.

What does it mean to actively invest in the peace and flourishing of a community that feels foreign or even hostile?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Matthew 5:9

    Jesus speaks a blessing upon those who actively work for peace.

  • Romans 12:18

    Paul encourages living peaceably with all people, as much as depends on you.

  • 1 Peter 2:13-17

    Peter advises living honorably and respecting governing authorities, even as 'strangers and pilgrims'.

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