In this evening’s meditation, a quote from Matthew 5:9 stood out:
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
This particularly affected my thinking, as earlier I had shut off the news primarily out of despair. The chaos and division in the world can often feel overwhelming, yet this verse reminded me of an essential truth: peace begins within us and radiates outward through our actions.
In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), we are encouraged to help others find sobriety, fostering peace and reconciliation. Step 12 concludes the 12 Steps with this powerful declaration:
"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics..."
This call to service is not just about sobriety; it is about living a life of purpose, love, and joy. The real question is, how can a single person accomplish this in a world so often filled with conflict and division? I believe the answer lies in spreading joy through love and service.
When we commit to working with others and demonstrate by example that there exists in our universe a Higher Power who loves everyone equally—without prejudice to gender, color, sexual orientation, or nation of origin—we create an unstoppable domino effect. This effect has the power to level the field of hate and bigotry, replacing it with understanding and unity.
Michael Jackson expressed this vision beautifully:
"Let us dream of tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation."
Elder M. Russell Ballard further emphasized the transformative power of service in his talk, Finding Joy through Loving Service:
"May we show our love and appreciation for the Savior’s atoning sacrifice through our simple, compassionate acts of service."
It is often said that joy is greater than happiness. Happiness is circumstantial, but joy is a deeper, enduring state of being that comes from spiritual alignment. For me, joy is found in living Step 12 in every aspect of my day. It is in recognizing that true joy brings light—light that, even through the rain, can create a rainbow.
Each day presents us with an opportunity to be peacemakers, to spread joy through love and service, and to uplift others. By doing so, we align ourselves with a higher purpose, experiencing the profound joy that comes from selfless giving and spiritual awakening.
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