Episode Recap: God Will Not Be Mocked — Peacemaking in a Divided World

In the latest episode of the To Be Encouraged podcast, co-hosts Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble tackle the heavy and urgent topic of war, peacemaking, and Christian responsibility in a world fraught with violence and divisive rhetoric. Drawing on recent global events and their own faith traditions, the conversation is heartfelt, challenging, and ultimately hopeful. Here are three key takeaways from their powerful discussion.

1. Our Primary Identity: Children of God

The episode opens with a poignant reflection from Bishop Julius C. Trimble about personal and collective identity. He asserts, "what I really want to be called and known as, is a child of God" 01:36. This foundational belief is not just for him but extends to all people, everywhere — regardless of nation, status, or background. Both co-hosts highlight that Christianity calls its followers to remember everyone's sacred worth, and that peacemaking is intrinsic to what it means to live as children of God. In the words of scripture, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God” 02:09. This radical inclusivity stands in direct opposition to the rhetoric of division that often pervades public discourse.

2. Rejecting Violence and Christian Nationalism

A recurring theme in the episode is a critique of violent language and war-making, particularly when accompanied by the misappropriation of Christian imagery for political ends. Bishop Julius C. Trimble and Reverend Dr. Brad Miller specifically decry recent events where violent military action was undertaken without broad consensus, as well as public statements that incited further hostility 03:03. Bishop Julius C. Trimble points to the teachings of the United Methodist Church, which "deplores war in all forms of violent conflict, and... yearn[s] for the day when there will be no more war and people will live together in peace and justice" 06:28. The episode also calls out the dangers of Christian nationalism, where religious texts and symbols are manipulated to justify violence or promote a political agenda 18:28. Instead, the hosts urge listeners to return to authentic biblical teaching and reject the temptation to “sprinkle some Jesus on top” of pre-determined plans for power or violence.

3. Advocating for Peace: Practical and Prophetic Action

Concluding the episode, Bishop Julius C. Trimble calls listeners to both advocacy and personal action. He advocates reallocating national priorities and budgets towards humanitarian and peacebuilding initiatives, rather than militarization 19:14. Quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:11, he encourages everyone to “build each other up rather than tear each other down” 22:28, suggesting that anyone—regardless of title or station—can become an agent of encouragement and peace in their local context. Being an advocate for peace isn’t just a global or political endeavor; it is a daily, contagious act that can ripple outward to influence church, community, and the world.

Final Thoughts

The challenge of this episode is clear: to boldly follow Christ—not with words of violence or division, but with radical acts of peacemaking, truth-telling, and encouragement. In a world hungry for hope, the teachings of Jesus and the example of peacemakers are more relevant than ever.

To dive deeper into this timely and heartfelt conversation, listen to the full episode and join the movement to “be encouraged” and be an encouragement to others.