As Easter comes upon us, it is time to reflect upon the life of the Savior. We ponder His birth, His ministry and especially His resurrection. More than 2,000 years after Isaiah called Him the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ is still our key to peace. From Mormon.org we find the following suggestions of how we can honor Him and find His Peace in our life during this Easter season.
Faith: Pray with faith for another person’s needs. Sometimes the simple act of thinking outward can bring us peace. Write a list of reasons why you believe in God. From the majestic scenery all around us to the awe inspiring love we feel when we hold a newborn, the reasons for faith in a higher power are all around us.
God’s word: Share a favorite scripture about peace or the Prince of Peace on social media. Ask a friend to study the same scriptural topic as you and compare notes. Think of a question you have or a trial you are currently facing, then find someone in the scriptures that faced a similar issue. What can you learn from their example?
Compassion: Jesus Christ’s selfless acts of service brought peace to the blind, the leprous, the lonely, and the sin-laden. Think of someone you love and make a list of their good traits and give it to them. It may seem like a small act, but it can be a keepsake that your loved one will treasure. Write a letter to someone who has recently experienced a loss or could use a pick-me-up. Your note could be the boost of cheer they need.
Gratitude: Reflecting on the innumerable blessings that Jesus Christ has made possible can help us put things in perspective. Purchase a box of thank-you notes and make a goal of using them all this month. Say a prayer where you only thank God for all your blessings. Share a specific example on social media of something someone did for you and how it made a difference in your life.
Prayer: Whether we are asking for blessings or just expressing gratitude, we can feel closer to God when we diligently seek Him through prayer in Jesus’ name. Say a prayer where you never mention your own needs, but instead pray solely for the needs of others. Share with a friend or write about a time when a specific prayer you had was answered, either from the Divine or through a divinely inspired person or situation.
Forgiveness: True peace is impossible when we do not forgive others. Is there someone you need to forgive? Write down all of that person’s positive qualities and then try to imagine how God sees them. Pray to God for the strength to forgive others, even those you feel do not deserve or want your forgiveness. It is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself.
Repentance: One of Jesus Christ’s greatest gifts to humanity is the ability to repent — to turn away from our mistakes and become clean once again. Make a list of areas in your life that are not in harmony with Jesus’ teachings. Then set goals to improve. Shedding habits and patterns that are not in line with gospel teachings can make us feel as though a weight has been lifted from us. It can give us a fresh start to be our better self.
Hope: Jesus Christ’s sacrifice gives us the hope that we can overcome the hardships of life as well as live again and be with our families forever. Read the account of Jesus Christ’s resurrection in the bible. Create a playlist of songs that give you hope and courage. Musical inspiration can give you a much needed boost each day.
There are many things that can make us think we are temporarily happy in this life; things that bring fleeting glimpses of something, but never fully satisfy our souls. Jesus Christ and His teachings are the source of true joy. He truly is the Prince of Peace. Let us strive to be kinder, more charitable and more like our Savior in our words and deeds to our fellowmen; not only this Easter season, but all year round.
• Jacqueline Tupou is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
