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WHAT WE BELIEVE
Bringing peace closer

Reuben Pauls

This Article addresses our understanding of the gospel as “the gospel of peace”. If the gospel is of any value, it must speak to peace as a possibility in all relationships, not only in our relationship with God.

The emphasis on the cross as the place where peace is made is very evident in our Confession. Even if we are unable to be at peace outside the church, we should be able to get along inside the church, where we all believe that Jesus died on the cross to bring repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation. However, most of us would confess that the reality often misses the ideal. The following statement, one I’ve heard several times in my ministry, haunts me whenever I recall it: “I’ll never forgive him (a church brother) as long as I live.” Such reactions stand in stark contrast to our Confession of Faith. What value is there to a statement on limitless love for our enemies when we find it difficult to get along with those who should be our friends?

Mennonite Brethren follow the Bible in saying that Christians are called to be peacemakers. Following this call in a world reeling from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks presents us with a challenge. In our local congregation, when it was suggested that we pray for Afghanistan and those who would die in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, one new attendee told me that he found it “impossible to pray for Osama bin Laden”. What followed was a fascinating discussion about how we could pray for our enemies.

As pastor of a relatively new church, I know that most of the members do not share a lifelong commitment to a “peace theology”, yet this has given us much opportunity to grow as a people of peace. Peace with God on a personal level needs to find expression in all of our relationships. If it is lacking, we must ask if we have understood what the gospel really is.

The emphasis on seeking to alleviate suffering is a positive response to the evil of hatred, killing and war. The challenge for most of us in North America is discovering what this Article looks like closer to home, in our families, neighbourhoods and places of work. If Christians can extend unconditional love, peace will be one step closer.

Reuben Pauls is pastor of River of Life Church in Sorrento, B.C. and former executive minister for the Canadian MB Conference.

CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADIAN CONFERENCES OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES Article 13

Love and Nonresistance God’s Community of Peace Believers believe that God in Christ reconciles people to himself and to one another, making peace through the cross. The church is a fellowship of redeemed people living by love. Our bond with other believers of Jesus transcends all racial, social and national barriers. Christian Peacemaking We seek to be agents of reconciliation in all relationships, to practice love of enemies as taught by Christ, to be peacemakers in all situations. We view violence in its many different forms as contradictory to the new nature of the Christian. We believe that the evil and inhumane nature of violence is contrary to the gospel of love and peace. In times of national conscription or war, we believe we are called to give alternative service where possible. Alleviating suffering, reducing strife, and promoting justice are ways of demonstrating Christ’s love. Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 5:17-28; Matthew 38-48; Romans 12:9-21; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Peter 2:19-23. View complete Confession of Faith

 
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Last modified April 30, 2002.

© 2002 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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