I must have written  this compilation of biblical texts towards the end of a year, sometime in the early 90’s, possibly 1992. [I am sorry, I cannot remember the exact date]. It accompanied a letter of mine to president de Klerk asking for the release of all political prisoners, also those that were imprisoned for refusing to do military service. My argument at the time was that people who had not committed any violent crimes toward any other person should not belong in a prison. I am sure that if you read carefully through the texts that I had selected, you will note that in between the lines I suggested to the president that he open up discussions with ‘the enemy’ …….

Christmas and the coming of Peace

Isa. 9:6,7a  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,

Luke 2:11-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 Prov. 10:6 Blessings are upon the head of the righteous: but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. 

 Prov. 12:20  Deceit is in the heart of them that plot evil: but for the counsellors of peace there is joy. 

 Prov. 16:7  When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

 Rom. 12: 21,22 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty give him water to drink. In doing so you will heap burning coals on his head and the Lord will reward you.

Mat. 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. 

 Mat. 5:38,39 You have heard that it was said: ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth’. But I tell you: do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other side also.

 Mat. 5:43-45 You have heard that it was said: ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. But I tell you: love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

Rom. 12: 17,22 Do not repay evil with evil. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with Good.

Eph. 2: 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 

1 John 4:18-21 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. We love because He first loves us. If anyone says, “I love God’, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

James 3:16-18 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there you also find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Mat. 7:12 So, in everything, do to others what you would like them to do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

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I was so surprised to receive a personal answer from the president, in a letter delivered to my home address. He promised to look into the matter of releasing mentioned prisoners. It was of course not long after that he began having discussions with Nelson Mandela and the rest is history. Of course it was still an uphill battle for him and many of us to get a mandate from his people. I also want to mention Prof. Heyns here, with whom I also had some correspondence. The difference in opinion split the NG church.  His stance cost him his life.

I do not think many people realize how close we all came to a long drawn out civil war, if it had not been for the vision of F.W. de Klerk. 

John 14: 1 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Fare Well, F.W. de Klerk. I am sure we will meet up with you one day, in your mansion in the sky!