Why Facing Problems Honestly Matters More Than Pretending Everything Is Fine
Understanding the Message in Simple Terms
The phrase “peace, peace, when there is no peace” comes from the Bible (Jeremiah 6:14). In everyday language, it warns us not to fool ourselves or others into thinking everything’s okay when there are big problems that need attention. It’s like saying, “Don’t pretend things are good just to feel better—be honest when something’s wrong.”
Jeremiah’s Warning: What Was Happening Back Then?
Jeremiah was a prophet in Jerusalem. He saw people acting like everything was fine, even though the city was facing major trouble. People ignored justice and honesty, and leaders like priests and prophets kept assuring everyone that there was nothing to worry about. But their comfort was fake; they weren’t dealing with serious issues like corruption and unfairness. It’s like putting a tiny bandage on a deep cut—it’s not going to fix the real problem.
False Reassurance: Why Pretending Doesn’t Help
Imagine you have a real health problem, but your doctor just says, “Don’t worry, you’re fine,” without doing any tests or treatment. That’s what the leaders in Jeremiah’s time were doing—telling people what they wanted to hear instead of what they needed to hear. The real issues didn’t disappear and only got worse because nobody faced them honestly.
Ignoring Problems: The Risk of Denial
When people keep saying “everything’s fine” and ignore what’s wrong, they’re just making it harder for themselves when trouble finally arrives. Jeremiah warned that pretending problems don’t exist doesn’t protect you—it leaves you unprepared.
How Does This Apply to America Today?
This ancient warning is still relevant in America right now. Sometimes, we avoid tough issues in our lives, communities, or even the whole country by telling ourselves “it’s not so bad” or accepting simple answers. But real peace and safety only come from facing problems honestly and working together to solve them.
Whether it’s addressing inequality, political division, or other challenges, pretending everything is fine doesn’t make those problems go away. Real solutions require honesty, courage, and action—just as Jeremiah urged people to choose what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
The Challenge: Choosing Truth Over Comfort
Jeremiah talks about following the “ancient paths”—ways of living that are fair, honest, and good. But people ignored that advice and did what they wanted instead. The lesson for America today is clear: real peace comes from doing what’s right, not from pretending everything is okay.
Conclusion: True Peace Needs Honesty and Action
“Peace, peace, when there is no peace” reminds us not to settle for easy comfort or denial. We need to face reality, seek justice, and do what’s right. Only by being honest and working to fix problems can we find real peace—in our lives and in our country.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 