DAILY DEVOTIONAL: DAY 212
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18, KJV).
God wants us to be people of peace. He wants us to be bearers of peace, spreading peace wherever we go. Peace is an essential part of love. Where true love exists, there also will be peace. In today’s world, too many people seem to be on edge, easily irritated, quickly losing their temper. Peace is one of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.
We need peace in our hearts to function as Christians. Not only that, we need peace to be able to live with others, including our spouses, siblings, children, parents, friends, co-workers, classmates, church members, etc. Today’s Scripture passage is taken from a set of instructions Paul gave to the Christians in Rome. His message is simple: If it be possible, as much as lies in us, we should live peaceably with all people.
Paul chooses his words carefully. He does not say we must live peaceably with all people. He qualifies his statement with, “if it is possible.” This means, the ideal is for us to live in peace with all people. But at times this is not possible. You may want to live in peace with all people, but you can’t force peace in a relationship if the other party (or parties) do not want peace. The fact is, not everyone appreciates peace. Some people hate peace, whether they are aware of it or not. Such people tend to create a climate of constant strife, argument and anger. The Bible talks about the frustration of living with people who resist peace: “My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war” (Psalm 120:6-7).
Let’s make every effort to live peaceably with all people. But let us not stress over those who don’t want peace.
The peace of the Lord be with you today! Amen.
For further study: Matthew 10:1-14
Higher-Self Realities 