Most people agree that wars are terrible. What can just one person do? The hardest part of promoting peace on earth is figuring out where and how to start to promote peace.

First, one must recognize that peace on earth begins at home, wherever that is. A friend of mine told of following a car down the highway plastered with peace stickers on its bumper. Two young boys were peering out the back window --this was before the days of seat belts to make them stay seated. The older boy raised his hand in a peace sign, and then promptly turned around and hit his little brother! Until each of us can show peace to our brothers and sisters, whom we should love, how can we expect peace among enemies?

Second, we should love our neighbors, and be peaceful to them. That does not mean that we must condone their behavior if we find what they say and do offensive. But if we try to understand their feelings rather than being vindictive, we might just find that the bully really feels insecure, or feels that nobody cares. Try as we might, sometimes understanding doesn't seem possible-- their differences might be too great, but as long as their way of life is not a direct danger to others, tolerance can promote peace. Respect breeds respect. On the other hand, if a person is a danger to others, then that person has built up anger and needs help to fit into society. Such help is seldom wanted and not easy to provide--and should not be attempted by anyone without the appropriate training and authority. The best that a neighbor can do is to report to the proper authorities such things as observed child abuse, etc., and to avoid direct conflict or interaction which might result in harm.

Third, we must define who our neighbors are. The Christian Bible has a parable which teaches that all are neighbors, and if we see need, we should help to the best of our abilities. Other faiths may teach that only their brothers in the same faith are to be neighbors. That appears to have been the rational for the war in Bosnia and other wars. It is sad that such faiths do not teach tolerance.

Finally, we as individuals, must choose from the many needs presented to us in this age by world-wide television coverage. Mother Theresa started simply with the need at her doorstep and was able, over the years and much help, to bring comfort to many worldwide. She did not care if a person was Christian or Hindu, or unclean, etc. She saw each as a human being in need. We can help to promote peace by attending first to the needs in our own homes and neighborhoods, and then, if we are further inclined, go out to assist in addressing even greater needs elsewhere according to our gifts and abilities.