Principles Matter — Peace
This article is part of our Principled Voter series.
Your vote is your voice. Use it to protect peace.
“The building of . . . peace is a bold and solemn purpose. To proclaim it is easy. To serve it will be hard. And to attain it, we must be aware of its full meaning — and ready to pay its full price.” — Dwight D Eisenhower
At some point today you turned on a faucet and water flowed out. Access to that water is life giving, but you may take it for granted. You don’t pay much for that water — you likely didn’t lay the pipes, build the treatment plant, or maintain the system. But the water flows to your house anyway.
Peace is like water. When we have it, we tend to take for granted that we have it, how we got it, and what is necessary to maintain it.
We have been blessed to live in a time of unprecedented peace. That doesn’t mean there is no injustice, conflict, or violence. Just like having access to running water doesn’t mean you won’t get sick or lose your job. But it does mean burdens are lighter and easier to solve.
Peaceful societies are characterized by optimism, economic development, cooperation, stability, and hopefulness. Our democratic systems promote prosperity and peace by supporting the rule of law and self-governance. But peaceful societies cannot exist without peaceful leaders and people.
“The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire — no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.” — Russell M. Nelson
Peace is always on the ballot. Help ensure its victory:
- Take responsibility for the information you consume. Peace flows from fairness and justice, which rely on a shared foundation of truth.
- Amplify voices of civility and dignity; respectfully call out voices of anger and disrespect.
- Refuse to accept violence in any form. Help guard our nation against anyone who claims it is justifiable, necessary, or inevitable.
- Use the ballot box. Your vote can preserve peace and protect the rule of law.
Peaceful people create peaceful societies.
- Love your enemies. Peace cannot exist in an environment of hate.
- Love your neighbor. Replace contempt and condescension with grace and goodwill. Look for the good in others.
- Choose your words carefully. Any speech that vilifies or dehumanizes is a form of violence. You can be bold and principled without being disrespectful or combative.
- Stand up for what you believe is right. We can still engage in conflict while being peacemakers.
Principled voters consider whether their vote will lead our society toward or away from peace.
Together we can speak up for peace, reach across divides, and build the Beloved Community.
Hope votes.
