PEACE …and dragons
In this week’s message, we explored a question central to life as followers of Jesus: How do we live at peace with others—even those who once were (or still seem like) our enemies?This challenge is not just a theme from Scripture—it is woven into our daily lives and even into the stories we love on screen. We even got to see this in the drama as Stevie, Lauren and Daniel are working this out in thinking about bringing the bully Dwayne into their epic movie creation!
Paul’s invitation in Romans 12:18 is both freeing and demanding: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” This verse gives us three vital insights. First, we are not ultimately responsible for the outcome—sometimes, peace is out of reach regardless of our efforts. Second, we are called to focus courageously on our own actions and attitudes—empathy, humility, and a willingness to see things differently. Third, the call to peace is universal: it reaches even across the divides we thought were permanent.
The New Testament gives us powerful examples of this peacemaking in action. The story of Saul’s conversion (Acts 9) is a drama of radical transformation: not only does Saul (later Paul) meet the risen Jesus, but Ananias—a man with every reason to fear the former persecutor—listens to God, crosses a dangerous boundary, and befriends his enemy. Later, Barnabas steps in to bridge the gap between Saul and the Jerusalem disciples, using his influence to foster trust and unity. Both Ananias and Barnabas show what it means to do “what depends on you” for the sake of peace, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable.
This same theme is beautifully illustrated in the animated film ”How to Train Your Dragon”, a favorite that explores empathy, courage, and transformation in unexpected relationships. In the movie, Hiccup is raised to see dragons as mortal enemies, but when he encounters Toothless—a creature he could easily destroy—he chooses compassion over violence, curiosity over fear. Step by step, Hiccup builds a bridge of understanding between dragons and Vikings, challenging his community’s long-held prejudices. His journey—and the journeys of those around him—shows that peace is possible when we are willing to cross boundaries, listen to others, and reimagine even deeply ingrained stories.
What would it look like for each of us to live as peacemakers in our homes, workplaces, and communities? The call is not to guarantee perfect harmony, but to take the next step—to listen, to question our own assumptions, and to act with courage wherever we can. As Henri Nouwen reminds us, true obedience is about attentive listening: to God, to others, and to the possibility of reconciliation all around us.
If you are looking for a way to further explore these themes outside our gatherings, consider watching “How to Train Your Dragon” with fresh eyes (or for the first time). There is a live action version out in the theater right now! Notice how Hiccup’s choices reflect Paul’s instruction: not every battle ends in friendship, but every act of empathy makes peace more possible. Together, let’s be people who cross boundaries, listen deeply, and, as far as it depends on us, live peaceably—just as Jesus did.
Take a chance this week to reach out, to listen, to see the world through another’s eyes—and see how God might be working to build peace where you least expect it.
With joy in the journey,
Jeff