We are closing in on the last few days of our daily devotional on Romans 12! I don’t know about you, but it seems like the apostle Paul’s words get more and more convicting as we go! He is giving us a one-sided command today. This command has nothing to do with anyone but ourselves. Are you up for it?
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18)
As far as it depends on us, we are to live at peace with everyone. How is that going for you? Are you making every effort to create peace in all of your relationships? Here is the harder question: are you doing so even when the other side doesn’t put in the same effort? That is what Paul is calling us to. We are called to do everything that we can, on our side, to live peaceably with all.
Let’s make this short writing very practical. Think about that person or persons in your life that you have struggled to have peace with. Now, think only about your own efforts in that relationship(s). Have you done all that you can to be at peace with them, or have you been too focused on the little effort that they have made? Our solution, the way to be obedient to Romans 12:18, is to solely look at our side of the equation. It does not matter how they act or treat us. We are only responsible for our side. What matters is that we try to live at peace with them, as far as it depends on us!
Paul started the verse with, “If possible.” I realize, and so did Paul, that some relationships have circumstances that prevent peace. However, I think Paul also wants to point out that some relationships seem too far gone in our minds, but can certainly still breed peace. So, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. You go and make the effort, even if they don’t. Your attempt at peace may spark them to do the same. Just like we talked about yesterday, it would be an honorable witnessing example! How amazing is that? Tomorrow’s verse may help us with this even more! Join us then!
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- Would you say that the majority of your relationships are in a place of peace?
- How can you, regardless of the effort of others, try to make peace going forward in tough relationships?