3 Steps to Be the Peace and Joy (Even in Divisive Times)
We live in a world that feels anything but peaceful.
Tensions run high—online, in the news, in conversations with clients, family, and neighbors. But what if, instead of reacting to the noise, you could bring peace into the spaces you step into?
Years ago, before I had kids, I was part of a women’s Bible study. One of the moms—deep in the thick of raising teens—would often pray that she’d have a gentle and quiet spirit.
At the time, I thought she meant being soft-spoken or kind. But now, with years of parenting and life experience behind me, I understand her request much differently.
She wasn’t asking to be mild.
She was asking to be a person of peace.
In Isaiah 55:11–12, God says:
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
it will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.”
That phrase—go out in joy and be led forth in peace—isn’t just poetic. It’s a promise.
It’s also a challenge: Can we show up with joy and peace, even when the conversation is hard?
Whether you’re leading a business, guiding clients, or simply showing up for your community—here are 3 simple steps to help you be the peace and joy in divided spaces.
1. Lead with Curiosity, Not Commentary
One way to stay grounded in peace during difficult conversations is to truly listen.
That doesn’t mean waiting for your turn to talk. It means getting curious.
Too often, we’re focused on defending a solution instead of agreeing on the actual issue. But curiosity disarms defensiveness. When you ask thoughtful, open-ended questions with a spirit of humility, you gain understanding—and offer dignity.
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
—Stephen Covey (and a biblical principle, too)
In practice, this might look like:
- “Can you help me understand where that perspective comes from?”
- “What’s been your experience with this?”
- “What concerns you most about this issue?”
These kinds of questions open the door to respectful dialogue—and often reveal more common ground than you’d expect.
2. Pray Before You Speak
This isn’t a passive “thoughts and prayers” moment. It’s an active invitation.
Before you enter a conversation—especially one where you know views may differ—pause and pray.
Ask God to give you a quiet and gentle spirit. Not quiet in volume, but quiet in posture. A calmness that listens more than it reacts. A heart that’s soft enough to hear another’s pain, and strong enough to hold space for truth.
And ask that your words point people toward Christ—not toward your own opinion.
Romans 12:18 says:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
That doesn’t mean agreement. It means intentional peace-making—a rare and needed gift in today’s world.
3. Know When to Log Off
Sometimes, the best way to preserve peace is to simply… step away.
If social media or certain conversations consistently stir anxiety or frustration, it’s okay to tune out. You’re not failing to engage—you’re protecting your energy and spirit so you can show up well where it matters most.
I have friends who’ve taken social media breaks or installed tools like the News Feed Eradicator Chrome Extension, which replaces your feed with a peaceful quote while still letting you access your Groups or business page.
There’s wisdom in knowing your limits—and even more in honoring them.
Business Application: Leading With Grace
Whether you’re navigating a team conflict, guiding clients through tough decisions, or managing your public presence, peace and joy are leadership strategies.
- Peace gives you presence.
- Joy gives you resilience.
You don’t have to argue your side to make a point. You don’t have to win the debate to build trust. You can have thoughtful conversations about hard things—and still be marked by peace.
Choose peace. Choose joy. Then lead from that place.
