WE HAVE always heard this: peace is not just the absence of war or conflict; it also includes the presence of justice, equality, and harmonious social relations. With the emotional tension our country faces due to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, conflicts often arise as we express our messages in the streets, on social media, or at public gatherings.
Fortunately, we are not at a stage of inflicting physical violence or harm in our community. We have learned from the 1986 Edsa Revolution that victory can be achieved through peaceful methods.
Many people express their frustrations and sentiments, while others may be unhappy and refuse to understand. Some defend their views and beliefs, while others respond with sarcasm or laughter.
Regardless of our differing opinions, peace does not mean invalidating our emotions during these confusing times.
Peace involves speaking up for what we believe in without undermining the convictions of others. It is about advocating for what we see as beneficial for the majority while still respecting opposing viewpoints.
Peace is about laying bare the truth. However, the truth can be complicated as it has three aspects: your version and beliefs, the version and beliefs of others, and the actual events known only to God and those directly involved. The people involved may also have different interpretations and agendas, leaving only God to know the complete truth.
Achieving social peace requires understanding, respect, and cooperation among individuals and communities.
When we express our ideas, we do so with kindness, choosing words that uplift rather than hurt. We can persuade others to join our cause by clearly articulating the truth.
We advocate for fairness and equality while standing against injustice. This means seeking justice for both the victims of drug addiction and other crimes and the alleged victims of extrajudicial killings. We are talking about precious lives lost.
Peace is about respecting each other's beliefs while remaining committed to our own convictions. It means fighting for what we believe in without attacking those who hold opposing views. Our struggle is not about heated arguments or physical confrontations; it’s about helping others recognize the value of our cause.
Peace involves seeking the truth by examining all sides. When faced with bias, we should expose the truth. If we encounter a distorted narrative, we must share an accurate story. We cannot persuade anyone without first providing facts and evidence.
We must engage in diplomacy and dialogue. Open discussions not only give us a platform to express our ideas but also help prevent further violence.
We share our knowledge while preparing evidence to support our claims, ensuring that others cannot dismiss the truth. We hold our leaders accountable and demand fair decision-making. This is to achieve political peace.
Additionally, let us strive for personal and spiritual peace amidst these tensions.
Finding personal peace is a journey that involves self-awareness, balance, and intentional actions. We limit our exposure to negative media and toxic people, allowing ourselves to engage in peaceful discussions.
Achieving spiritual peace involves reflecting on our purpose and values and aligning our actions with our beliefs. It means accepting that every event has a purpose. When we pray for something, it is not only to seek its fulfillment but also to pray for God's will to be done.
Let us work towards peace while we fight for what we believe is right.
