Today is Memorial Day in the United States, and people all across our country will be honoring with gratitude the dedication and sacrifice of those who gave their lives defending this nation and its freedoms. The Bible tells us to “Give everyone what you owe him … if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7).

Did their efforts bring an end to all war? No, of course not — but where would we be if they had not been willing to fight those who sought to enslave us? Where would our world be if they hadn’t been willing to resist tyranny or defend the weak and oppressed? War is a terrible tragedy, and we must do all we can to strive for peace in our world. But sometimes the only way to achieve peace is to fight those who would take it from us.

Will wars ever cease? No, not completely — not until Christ comes again to establish His rule of perfect peace and justice. What is the problem? The problem is within us — within our own hearts and minds. The Bible says, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1).

This is why we need Christ, for only He can change our hearts and take away our greed, selfishness and destructive pride. Open your heart to Him and discover the peace only He can give us — peace with God, peace with others, and peace in our hearts.