Romans 12:18 (TNIV) “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This can be a tall order at times. Some folks we know just seem hell bent on stirring things up. Chaos is their middle name. At times it would seem as if they were sent to earth to torment all whom they meet; revenge for being born. We are to live at peace with such people. Notice the verbal bridge “as far as it depends on you”. In other words, don’t you start anything with anyone else. Jesus, speaking to Peter, tells him that those who live by the sword shall die by the sword (Matthew 26:52). Aggression is to be avoided as much as it is up to you. Live in peace with those around you. There are times when peace is unachievable; I don’t believe God expects us to be a door mat. We are to be shrewd as a snake, yet innocent as a dove (Matthew 10:16). We need not allow others to trample us under foot; we just don’t need to be instigating trouble. Defending yourself is one thing, inviting trouble is quite another.
In all this God is present; He guides and directs us by His Spirit. We must know Him, truly know Him in an intimate sense, to take full advantage of the resources His provides for us. It is not the part time Christian who will win the day, so to speak, but rather the individual who is devoted to following Christ daily. We will stumble and fail God more times than we intend to, but it is in the standing up after the fall that victory is won. So be at peace with those you encounter. Don’t allow yourself to be riled, but instead, practice patience and humility. God rewards those who are obedient, exhibiting their faithfulness for all to see. This will bring an end result that will honor God and cause others to see an alternative to their rage.
WALK WITH THE KING TODAY AND BE A BLESSING!!
