Bishop Keith Butler
Sep 28, 2023
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)
I’m sure if you have lived on this earth for any amount of time, you realize that conflicts, disagreements, and misunderstandings are not uncommon in our daily interactions with other people. The question Paul dealt with in Romans 12:18 is how do we, as followers of Christ, pursue peace in a world that is constantly filled with animosity and separation?
Paul began by saying, “If it be possible.” Paul acknowledged how difficult it can be to experience peace in every interaction. We live in a fallen, imperfect world, and living in peace with everyone isn't easy and may not always be possible. However, this phrase should not be used as an excuse to avoid peace; instead, should inspire us to seek it even in challenging circumstances.
The next phrase, “as much as lieth in you,” tells us about our personal responsibility to seek peace in every interaction we have. That phrase emphasizes that living peaceably isn't about external factors or situations, real peace begins within our own heart.
Living peaceably means being a person of humility that thinks of others first and implies a willingness for us to let go of our own ego and desires, and aspire to support, uplift, and help others around us.
It means being quick to forgive and slow to anger.
It means caring enough to seek after understanding even with those who offend us.
Why should we seek after peace? Simply because of who we are. If you identify as a child of God, you know we are called to reflect the character of our Heavenly Father. He is Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace.
He sent Jesus to make peace with us while we were yet sinners. He is the perfect example of the peace that we should allow to always govern our relationships.
Decide to practice actively listening to people and seeking to understand others before responding. When conflicts arise, don’t look for how to attack, but rather how to pursue peace at the moment. By doing so, God gets the glory, and you walk in favor.