If possible, so far as it depends on you, live Peaceable with all.”
Romans 12:18 ESV
Division screams louder now than I’ve ever seen or heard in former times.
Everywhere we turn, it seems a new group rises up against another. We are a world divided by such diversity in ideas, Values, Beliefs, Preferences, Dreams and Expectations. We wake up with junk and walk throughout our day allowing nonsense to steal our peace and joy. It could be an on- going frustration, the uncertainty of the world or a disappointment. It doesn’t really matter. God calls us to live in unity.
After all, who would know better than the apostle Paul. He wrote this instruction in a time where he was surrounded by people opposing him at every point and circumstances that were hard and filled with much hardship. Paul wrote this timely instructions to the Romans as he understood the difficulty of living peaceful with all people. As it was then and today a believers sight should be to live peaceably. The word Peace is mentioned some 429 times, leaving me to believe how important living in peace must be to our Father. But sometimes peace is not within our control:
I must admit, I’ve read through this verse many times, and all I actually came away with was “live peaceable with all”. Yea, that sounds about right to me. I can do that. No problem. I think many misinterpret this verse to say be patient as long as you can and when you can no longer do so speak up and out! Let’s take a closer look at this verse again. ” As far as it Depends on You.” Notice it didn’t say as far as it depends on others. Nor did it say as long as people don’t start getting on your nerve, or even until people cross Your boundaries of what please you.
As followers, of Jesus Christ, we have been chosen to model unity, love, and peace as an alternative to the ways of the world that stands divided. Yet it seems that division often slithers its way into our churches and Christian organizations as well. Satan’s overall strategies rarely change–whenever, he can divide, he can conquer (Mark 3:24). He accomplishes this division through lies, deception, and destruction (John 10:1 ). But we must remember that in this battle we are not fighting for victory; we are mighty from victory. Jesus has already disarmed the ruler and principalities of this rebellion (Colossians 2:15) and has secured the victory for us. We walk in the fullness of this victory by standing in truth, abiding in Christ, resisting the devil and his minions, and waging spiritual warfare according to God’s Word.
We now arrive at the sober, cautious, measured, realistic words in verse 18 about making peace. “ If possible, so far as it Depends on You, (my friend), live peaceably with all.” Christ-dependent, Christ-exalting humility does its best. It thinks about what is honorable in the sight of all.
Be Encouraged Today
As you walk in this truth!
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Love this!!