Live Peaceably

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:18

This is a tall order. We have a wide array of people with whom we interact. Some of those connections are social, corporate, or come to us in some other way. The admonition sets forth the condition, ‘If it is possible.’ The implication is, there will be some people with whom it may not be possible. As those who are followers of Christ, we ought not to be difficult, argumentative and irascible. To follow Christ is to become like Him. If we study His life, we see that He did, as much as possible, live peaceably with all. Having said that, there were many who would not live peaceably with Him. When circumstances became untenable, He removed Himself from contact with those people. Living peaceably with all, may mean living apart from some of them. We see that Christ did it, and we may find ourselves having to do the same. When Paul wrote these words, he was speaking from years of experience in ministry. During those years he had endeavored to live peaceably while proclaiming Christ. Some had received the message; others had rejected the message and him as the messenger. We seek to bear witness to the truth he expounded, and point others to Christ, Who is peace.

God of Grace and Glory,
we rejoice that You bring us to Christ.
We praise You that You set Him before us
as the pattern for us to follow.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning