We shall make peace (website only)

We shall make peace, obedient to God's Spirit,
We shall make peace, because the world is wrong:
Wrong, when each injury is left to fester;
Wrong, when the weeds of blame grow in the sun.
We'll plant our loving hearts in fields of hatred,
Nurture forgiveness to withstand the storm.

We shall seek faith, to strengthen the uncertain;
We shall learn truth, to tell in face of lies:
When all is dark, and hope has been forgotten,
We'll trust in God, and strike a spark of light:
To downcast hearts, the arm around the shoulder,
To wandering souls, the welcome in the night.

For so our Lord loved those who'd not yet loved him;
For so our Lord was open to the end.
He taught us pardon, so that we might serve him;
Taught us to serve him, that we might ascend:
We face down death, as those who stand for healing;
We rise, redeemed, as servants of our Friend.

Words: © Vince Gilbert

Metre: 11 10 11 10 11 10

Tune: Finlandia (StF 621) Note: this tune works most effectively for this text if not taken too slowly.

More information

For further reflection on the call to follow Jesus’ example of service (v.3), also see Vince Gilbert’s hymn Who is this, whose face shines brighter (website only).