Romans 12:18 says “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Peace for us today, is is not just the absence of war. It’s the presence of Jesus in how we treat people. We aren’t told to only live in peace with people we like.
We are asked to live in peace with all men, including the difficult ones, our critics, haters and even those who hurt us.
This may be difficult but if we realize and appreciate a basic fact about living in peace with all men, our burden may be lessened. The fact is, peace starts with a responsibility on us and not with the other person.
That’s why the Bible says “So far as it depends on you”. We cannot control how others choose to treat us but we can certainly control how we choose to respond and the tone to use.
We cant control others, but we can decide to control ourselves, forgive or refuse to retaliate or gossip.
Peace is a choice you make before the argument starts.
Matthew 5:9 says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” It is tiring and stressful fighting all the time, so when we refuse to match insult for insult, when we forgive first, when we de-escalate — people notice and John 13:35 says by these, all people will know that we are Jesus’ disciples.
In seeking peace let’s do the following:
1. *Kill bitterness early – Hebrews 12:15 says bitterness defiles. We must therefore forgive quickly.
2. *Speak life, not strife– Proverbs 15:1 says a soft answer turns away wrath.
3. *Pray for your “difficult person – Luke 6:28 says blessing those who curse you disarms your heart.
4. *Choose reconciliation over being right- Sometimes winning the argument costs you the relationship.
But the truth is that we won’t have peace with all men. Jesus didn’t and that’s why the Bible says “if possible” meaning you do your part.
You can’t force peace, but you can refuse to be the reason there isn’t peace. Peace with all men may not always be possible, but it must always be pursued.
God help us all.
Source: newsthemegh.com