Romans 12:18 - Striving To Live Peacefully.
Romans 12:18 (NKJV) If it is possible, as
much as depends on you, live peaceably with all
men.
Romans 12:18 (NLT) Do all that you can to
live in peace with everyone.
INTRODUCTION
Forgiveness is a mark of the Christian life.
Verses 17-21 summarize the real core of Christian
living. If we love someone the way Christ loves us,
we will be willing to forgive. If we have
experienced Gods grace, we will want to pass it on to
others. And remember, grace is undeserved favor. By
giving an enemy a drink, were not excusing his
misdeeds. Were recognizing him, forgiving him, and
loving him in spite of his sins - just as Christ
did for us. [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
In Pursuit of Peace
Sometimes you cant live peaceably with
some people. Theyre ill-tempered and dont
want to get along with anyone, including you.
That is why the Bible says, Do all
that you can to live in peace with everyone
(Romans 12:18 NLT). Notice the phrase do all that
you can. That means you make the effort.
Jesus said, So if you are presenting a
sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly
remember that someone has something against you,
leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be
reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your
sacrifice to God (Matthew 5:23-24 NLT).
For instance, lets say that someone
has wronged you and youre angry about it.
Youre at church worshipping, but you cant stop
thinking about what they did to you. Something is
wrong. Its hindering your prayer life.
You need to go to that person and try to
resolve the conflict. It may be just a
misunderstanding. Maybe you say, The other day you made
this comment, and this is the way I took it. Is
that how you meant it?
Of course not! they reply. The
last thing I want to do is offend you!
On the other hand, they might tell you
that is exactly what they meant and then say
something even worse to offend you. What do you do
then?
Youve done what you were supposed to
do. If they dont want to reconcile with you,
then it has become their problem. Put it into the
hands of God, and pray for them. If they want to
stay mad at you, then let it go.
When youve made the effort, when
youve tried to reconcile, you can know that
youve done your part. And you can come before God
with a clean conscience. [Greg Laurie from
Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
COMMENTARY
Restoring Peace In Relationships
How do we restore a legacy that has been
marred by something that may have happened many
years ago, but continues to haunt us because it
was never resolved? Often these have to do with
broken relationships that have never been healed.
Perhaps this has been true in your own life. If so,
face it honestly, and do whatever you can to
change it. As we grow older and look back over our
lives, how will we view these unresolved
conflicts?
"My mother and I always had a difficult
relationship," one woman wrote me, "and for the last ten
years we didn't even speak. Now she's gone, and
I'd give anything to have just one minute with
her to tell her I'm sorry." Whether it's with
parents, children, friends, or family, a broken
relationship often brings regret - regret over what
happened, regret over the years that have been lost,
regret because the time for healing has passed.
Don't live with regret. As far as it depends on
you, restore peace in your relationships.
Is there someone you need to reconcile
with? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham]
Learning to Love Difficult People
One of the most important skills you can
develop as you walk with Christ is to love difficult
people.
Here are four loving responses Jesus
modeled when he encountered difficult people:
Realize you cant please
everybody. Even God cant do that! Jesus didnt
mince words when he was talking to a
group of religious leaders called
Pharisees. He said to them, You
hypocrites, why are you trying to trap
me? (Matthew 22:18 NIV) Jesus
refused to play games. You can too.
Learn to say no to unrealistic
expectations. The Bible says youre like
Jesus when youre speaking the
truth in love (Ephesians 4:15 NIV).
Its fine to say no - just say it
with love.
Never retaliate. It only lowers
you to their level. Jesus said: You
have heard that it was said, Eye
for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I
tell you, do not resist an evil
person. If anyone slaps you on the right
cheek, turn to them the other cheek
also (Matthew 5:38-39 NIV).
Pray for them. It will help you
and the difficult people in your life.
Jesus instructions are simple and
clear: Love your enemies and pray
for those who persecute you
(Matthew 5:44 NIV). Pray for difficult
people, and then trust that God will
speak to them.
You encounter difficult people every day.
And youll often be tempted to react in
negative ways. Instead, try loving them through these
four responses. Youll find your relationships
strengthened and your character becoming more like Jesus.
[Daily Devotional by Rick Warren:
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
CLOSING THOUGHT
If impatient words are spoken to you,
never reply in the same spirit. Remember that a
soft answer turneth away wrath. Proverbs 15:1.
And there is wonderful power in silence. Words
spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve
only to exasperate. But anger met with silence,
in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies
away.
Under a storm of stinging, faultfinding
words, keep the mind stayed upon the word of God.
Let mind and heart be stored with Gods
promises. If you are ill-treated or wrongfully
accused, instead of returning an angry answer, repeat
to yourself the precious promises:
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome
evil with good. Romans 12:21. MH486-7
PASSAGE FOR FURTHER STUDY
Romans 14:19 (NIV) Let us therefore make
every effort to do what leads to peace and to
mutual edification.
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY
Romans 12:19-21 - Vengeance Belongs to God.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220707-0951.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
