Dialogue Helps to Bring About Peace

Anne DeSantis offers four strategies to help you live in the peace of Christ, love God, and open dialogue between yourself and others.

It is impossible for peace to exist without dialogue. All the wars, all the strife, all the unsolved problems over which we clash are due to lack of dialogue. When there is a problem, talk; this makes peace. (Pope Francis in 365 Meditations with Pope Francis)

Dialogue is Necessary in Creating Peace

As humans, not all of us have are inclined to want to “talk through” things when there is disagreement or lack of understanding. Our Holy Father gives us something to think about when it comes to how dialogue can help to bring about more peace in situations which seem hostile or where there is a lack of love. Here are four tips to try with your family:

LISTEN ACTIVELY

The number one way to open the door for dialogue is through active listening. This is when we give another person an opportunity to speak in full whatever they wish to say and communicate without judgment. It is a skill that takes time to learn how to do, but the best way to learn is to try it.

The next time you are in a conversation with another person, resist interrupting and give them a chance to say what they wish to say. After they speak, thoughtfully answer back, and be sure not to jump to conclusions once the dialogue moves forward. Repeat what they have said, and make sure you are understanding them properly.

Stop Judging

Many times, when there is a lack of peace or acceptance of another person it is because pre-judgments have been made about that person. People tend to like people they feel comfortable with or those who are like them in more ways than one. To break barriers of division, ceasing to judge is a big part of creating peace. With God’s help, think outside of the box about who are drawn to in conversation, in dialogue, and in who you wish to spend time with.

Challenge yourself to befriend those who are not exactly like you in terms of religion, race, creed, or other factors. Peaceful people can have many circles of friends both inside and outside the walls of their church community or other places. Be open to making new friends everywhere you go, and you will be blessed.

Be Congenial

Smiling, caring, and being receptive helps to create peace. Being a mean-spirited Catholic, Christian, or anyone for that matter, is not exactly a selling point for the faith. St. Teresa of Calcutta spoke often about the power of a smile. Be kind and receptive to other people no matter where you are and learn to be a friendlier and generally nicer person. This is one way we can be better Catholics and lovers of God.

Pray with Humility

Pray always, but remember to do so with humility. Pope Francis has alluded to the importance of being humble and to keep in mind that life is not just about us and our needs. It is about being a humble servant of Christ and in bringing the field hospital of care to the entire world.

Pray with humility to be able to love others exactly as they are and not as we wish them to be. We are not to pray that others would change but that we can be ministers of mercy to them and live the Gospel in our own hearts first.

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4 strategies to help you live in the peace of Christ, love God, and open dialogue between yourself and others. #catholicmom

I hope these tips will help you live in the peace of Christ, love God, and open dialogue between yourself and others. God bless.

Copyright 2022 Anne DeSantis
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