Last year I watched the televised funeral of a godly leader and statesman. Tributes from a friend and a family member reminded me of a leader who worked diligently to bring God’s love, mercy, and justice into people’s lives. And that helped me picture what a person of peace looks like.

A person of peace is deeply committed to God and to others. This is someone who is willing to reach out and find out how they can help to bring hope and change in communities. This is a person who sees people through the eyes of Jesus. A person who models well what it means to be a servant to others. A person who takes on risks to bring the good news of Jesus to others.

I was reminded of the words of John as he writes to encourage a dear friend. And those words give us helpful reminders of our calling to be followers of Christ, to be people of peace.

In a world that is often at odds with being a person of peace, we might rather avoid Jesus’ call and the challenges it can bring. But let’s be encouraged by the examples of so many people of peace who have gone before us—whether they are public figures and powerful influencers or ordinary people like neighbors, friends, and family members. Welcoming others with hospitality and working with them in Jesus’ name is our goal.

Are you ready?