Peaceful Living
Wednesday June 4, 2014
What is impossible with man is possible with God. (Luke 18:27 NIV)
When we come to that place where we live in peace with others around us, we may still encounter a person who is hostile. Despite loving comments and gestures they may insult us or accuse us and just go
out of their way to irritate and hurt us. How should we respond? How can we maintain peace? God knows these situations will arise and so in the Bible’s guidelines about living at peace with everyone we are given some helpful advice.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18 NIV)
The first phrase in the above 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 other people harm. What are we to do? Our responsibility is to maintain peace in our own heart. How do we do that in the face of unkindness? We remember and hold fast to God’s kindness for us and keep our thoughts filled with kindness, goodness and forgiveness towards the other person. Is it really possible to live this way? God says it is, and together with God, all things are possible.
The second phrase in the above 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. The challenge for us, in that moment, is to keep our hearts at peace before God. Unfortunately, sometimes we walk away with irritation and condemnation in our hearts. In this situation, God’s desire for us is that we bring our hearts before Him, asking Him for healing and comfort and peace. When we have settled our hearts, we should then 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. When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. (Proverbs 16:7 NLT)
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