During seasons of intense reflection, such as Lent, people of faith in liturgical Christian denominations often seek the will of God concerning their lives and how they relate to others. In his popular petition that has become known as the prayer of peace, St. Francis of Assisi asked for help in becoming an instrument of God's peace in a world of strife. In the lines that followed this fervent wish, he outlined how those who profess to be Christians are to interact with fellow members of humanity.

"Where There Is Hatred, Let Me Sow Love"

You don't have to work very hard to find people spewing hurtful words and acting out of self-righteousness and disdain. Sometimes, all it takes is opening up a social media app on your phone. When you encounter these situations, you can choose to remind people of the humanity of others. It is even more effective when the hate is directed at you, and you refuse to respond in kind. You can interrupt the pattern with words that show love instead.

"Where There Is Injury, Pardon"

There are few actions so disarming as forgiveness. To be released from the burden of blame and guilt is one of the best gifts you can give to another human being. While it is important to set healthy boundaries and resist abuse, keep in mind that most of the hurt others cause str likely unintentional. Holding on to a grudge doesn't solve the problem; it merely prolongs it. Forgiveness sets both parties free.

"Where There Is Doubt, Faith"

Many people are afraid of doubt. They may be scared to even admit that they experience it, especially if they were judged when they have voiced hesitation in the past.

However, to sow faith is to first understand that doubt is a natural part of spiritual life. There are several ways you can respond to people who express doubt that may encourage them:

• Listen thoroughly. Give them a safe space to talk about what they are feeling. 
• Fight the urge to interrupt. Even if you believe you have good advice, they probably don't actually need it. They are more likely to be looking for comfort and belonging than a to-do list.
• Thank them for trusting you. Then be worthy of that trust by keeping their admission of doubt to yourself.

"Where There Is Despair, Hope"

Having strong faith doesn't mean that life will always be sunny. People who believe in God are just as likely to experience depression or other mental health issues. The good news is that there is also the possibility of hope. You can help others find their way back from despair by recognizing that their struggles are real rather than the result of a lack of prayer or something they're doing wrong and by directing them to a counselor or other professional who can help them through it.

"Where There Is Darkness, Light"

It is hard to discover that spiritual leaders you admire have engaged in shameful acts. Many churches have even sought to hide allegations from the public eye to protect their reputations. Jesus, however, sides with the oppressed. When you refuse to ignore injustice in any of its forms, you shed light on the problem and hold those who perpetrate abuse accountable for their actions.

"Where There Is Sadness, Joy"

Grief is an inextricable part of the Christian narrative. The storyline of Jesus's path to the cross is full of all sorts of negative emotions that seem easier to push aside than to embrace, which makes Holy Week an uncomfortable time for many believers. Doing so has its reward, though. The joy of Easter is even more meaningful in light of the sadness that came before it.

Christianity often means living in contrast to what is going on around you. Christians are called to be instruments of peace in a world of war.