Peace Is Possible

Living in peace with others around us?  Is it possible?  We wonder sometimes when we watch the evening news if people even want that anymore. 

It’s good to stand up for what is just and right but so much protest we see now that is supposed to be about justice for all now includes anger and vitriol and looting and violence .

How should we respond?  How can we maintain peace in our personal relationships and in our society at large?

God knows difficult situations will arise and so we are given some helpful advice in the Bible about living at peace with everyone. 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

Romans 12:18

The first phrase in the verse is: "If it is possible".  This indicates that there may be times when peace with another person is not possible. The person may not be interested in a peaceful environment, or they may even enjoy causing harm to others.  What are we to do? 

Our responsibility is to maintain peace in our own heart.  We remember and hold fast to God’s kindness to us and keep our thoughts filled with kindness, goodness and forgiveness towards the other person. 

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:17-18

The second phrase in the same verse is, "as far as it depends on you".  We are not meant to co-dependently prop up someone in their sinful or harmful behaviour or attitude.  We can walk away from a person who is being belligerent, but we must be careful to do so with peace. 

Irritation and condemnation need to go.  God’s peace and healing need to be received.  When we have settled our hearts, we should pray for the other person that they would grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus and receive His grace, mercy and peace.

And so,  Heavenly Father, we affirm to You today that we want to live at peace with others.  Help us to resolve conflict with others when it is possible, and as far as it depends on us.  Our desire is always to be peace loving and gentle. 

Help us to think, speak, and live generously and graciously towards those we find hard to love and trust You to take care of the rest.  Amen

If it is possible, as far as it depends on us, let’s live in peace today.  Have a great day.