We need to keep in mind what Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must learn to live together as brothers. Or we are going to perish as fools.” 
It is impossible to work for peace where there is no love for the people among whom you seek to establish peace.
St. Paul now mentions two other building blocks for peace in society. Live in harmony with one another to make peace (Romans 12: 14-16).
This assertion must be put in its immediate context where he has just been discussing the role of spiritual gifts in building the oneness of believers in God’s church (cf Romans 12:3-8).

From the musical instruments we may learn the worth of harmony.  The Piano has both black and white keys; there is music to delight the ear when they are played in unison. Our African instruments similarly speak of harmony and so does a Jazz band. None requires sameness to bring out music.
Our musical instruments celebrate diversity; and so does our God. God does not make clones, not even ideological, theological or talent clones. If we were images of each other the subject of harmony and peace-building would not arise.
But we are made in God’s image, our God is diverse in himself: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God’s diversity is actually interplayed into harmony; there is no discord in him. For example our salvation is the work of the Godhead together but each person of the Trinity brings another angle to it.
Harmony is not likeness—we seek harmony because we are different politically, by tribe, social status, etc.
Our differences need not be weapons against each other. To brawl because we are different is a sign of immaturity—maturity is to use what I have (that they do not have) for the greater benefit.
As Max Lucado has said, “Conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.” Maturity turns conflict into harmony. Harmony is when we blend our differences to achieve more.
In marriage, God brings two ‘incompatible’ people into pure enchantment on earth. Their differences are physical, emotional, social, personality-related, and so forth.
Yet when a man and woman are married, they are given to enter a unique bliss that is unequalled on earth.
Harmony is exhibited in the company of those who are unlike us. It is to reflect the God we claim to worship who, in himself, is a God of diversity.
Former US President, John F. Kennedy said that “peace does not rest in the charters and covenants alone. It lies in the hearts and minds of all people.”
Idealistic perhaps, but when there is trouble are you instigating it or fanning it?
A nine-year-old, Neil J. Seattle asked about the specter of fear cast by the nuclear bomb, “If we don’t stop the bomb, who will take care of the flowers?”
Corporate peace is a function of individuals at peace. So St. Paul says that when it depends on you, be a peacemaker. ‘Peaceless’ people spread disorder and pandemonium.
“When the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2). Therefore peace is inseparable from righteousness, and mayhem from evil.
Peace and vengeance are never twins. Vengeance provokes revenge.   If you will make peace be ready to sacrifice some of your convictions; be ready to forgive those who have maligned your name.
Our Lord Jesus Christ paid with the cross; he is the ‘Pax Dei’—Peace from God.
Ask yourself, “What is my contribution to peace where I am?”

Dr. John Senyonyi is the UCU vice chancellor