The Interpersonal—Living in Community

Most of our peacemaking happens in community with others, our "families, friends and neighbors, and those who are alone." For many of us, church or local community organizations are the focus of our work. Here we learn to love constantly, to love our neighbors, and perhaps to love those with whom we have conflicts.

Any of us who have been parents know that the family is a "culture medium" for the ministry of reconciliation.

Often we neglect to give ourselves credit for our daily works of peace—in loving, nurturing, and supporting our family and friends. Many persons who do not consider themselves activists are willing to make a statement about what they celebrate and find as a "hopeful sign" in their lives and communities. Learning to love our neighbor and the gifts our neighbor brings to our lives is a major task of peacemaking.