Peacemaking vs. Peacekeeping: Finding Our True North in the Field

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one thing I’ve learned since returning from my mission—and trust me, I’ve been in the trenches of missionary discussions enough times to write a textbook on it—it’s that the gospel isn't always about the grand, sweeping doctrinal debates. Sometimes, the Spirit whispers a much more immediate, personal truth into your heart.

The recent discussion on Peace-Making Vs. Peace-Keeping really hit home for me. It made me pause and really examine the difference between just *keeping* the peace—the kind that comes from avoiding conflict at all costs—and the harder, more challenging work of *making* peace. This isn't just academic theology; this is the work we do when we walk into a new neighborhood, when we sit down with an investigator, or when we’re trying to shepherd a struggling quorum.

The Spirit Guides the Action

As returned missionaries, we are constantly being trained to navigate delicate social waters. We want to be helpful, we want to be loving, and we absolutely want to represent the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. But sometimes, trying too hard to *keep* the peace—to smooth over every disagreement, to never rock the boat—can actually do more harm than good. It can lead us to gloss over necessary truths just to keep the conversation comfortable.

Making peace, as I understand it now, requires the courage to speak the truth in love, even when that truth might cause temporary discomfort. It requires us to be willing to engage in the messy, sometimes awkward, but ultimately vital process of genuine dialogue. It’s the difference between nodding along politely and truly listening to the spirit of what the other person is asking.

“We are not apologists, we are just radio hosts who call it how we see it :)”

That spirit of honest, thoughtful inquiry—the willingness to call things what they are, even if it’s challenging—is what I want us to carry into our daily lives as rogue disciples. It’s what makes us effective internet missionaries, because the digital sphere, like the field, doesn't reward platitudes; it rewards authenticity.

Mission Prep Skill: The Art of the Question

If you are feeling the pressure of missionary preparation, or if you are already out there in the field, I want to give you a practical tip. When you feel the urge to immediately correct a misunderstanding or defend a doctrine, take a breath. Instead, ask a question that invites deeper thought. Instead of saying, “No, that’s incorrect because…” try, “What makes you feel that way?” or “Can you tell me more about what led you to that conclusion?”

This simple shift—from *telling* to *inquiring*—is a profound act of peacemaking. It honors the investigator’s intellectual journey while gently guiding them toward the light of revelation. It allows the Spirit to do the heavy lifting.

If you want to dive deeper into how to handle those tough, nuanced conversations, I highly recommend checking out the AI Investigator role-play with Davee. He’s trained on these very kinds of challenging discussions, and running through a few scenarios with him can build your confidence like nothing else.

For those who are looking for more structured study, remember that HolyPlaces is a goldmine. If you’re working through the Book of Mormon or studying scripture, joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group there can give you a safe space to practice this kind of thoughtful discourse with fellow disciples.

Let’s commit this week to being peacemakers—courageous, humble, and Spirit-filled peacemakers. Let’s continue the work together!

If you enjoyed this reflection, please consider sharing it with a fellow disciple who might need this reminder. And if you want to keep sharpening those skills, check out the latest reading recommendations from the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. Stay diligent, and keep sharing the light!