Thoughts on Becoming a Peacemaker

Today I was preparing for a presidency meeting in which it was my turn to give an inspirational thought. I decided to check out some conference talks. I have been over many of them and know several of them quite well, but wanted to find something I had overlooked and needed to take the time to ponder and learn from. I found a talk by Pres. Eyring that hit home. I think we all can relate to it. The title of his talk is 'Our Hearts Knit as One'. The general message is that when we unite ourselves together in good purpose, we can accomplish anything.
Whether it be as couples, families, church members, work or school invironments, neighborhoods, community, country or the world.....there is a need for coming together of minds and purpose. This is not possible when pride rears it's ugly head. I think we all have experienced a time when we have disagreed with someone which started out as a mere discussion but ended up a contest about who was right. Elder Eyring described it this way...."Voices become gradually louder, faces become a little more flushed. Instead of talking about the issue...the talking becomes about themselves, giving evidence why their view, given great ability and background, was more likely to be right."
As he stated, "We have seen the life-destroying effects of such tragic conflict."
Unity is something that cannot be achieved singularly...it is not a solitary thing. It is something that has to be worked on with others. This isn't possible unless we are willing to humble ourselves. Pride is the force that works against unity.
Pres. Eyring talks about the importance of becoming a peacemaker. A peacemaker is a restorer of unity. He states, "The greatest peacemaker, the restorer of unity, is the one who finds a way to help people see the truth they share. That truth they share is always greater and more important to them than their differences." It is also worth noting that often differences can be seen as opportunities....not a source of irritation but as a contribution. Sometimes the differences can fill a hole in what you may lack.
Another thing Pres. Eyring shares is that speaking well of others is a principle of unity.
It takes you back to what your parents always tried to teach....'If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all."
As I ponder this subject, I can't help but think what a different world this would be if we all would strive to find common ground for good and build our relationships on the principle of unity. To show respect for each others differences rather than find them as a threat to our personal integrity would move everyone forward in their pursuit of happiness.