ROMANS 12 – LIVING IT
Continued…

“Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.” 
Romans 12:18, NLT

Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Keeping the peace, encouraging peace, loving peace, making peace involves relating to all kinds of people, with all kinds of personalities, with minds full of optional thinking and acting in one world. Ah, yes, it’s harder than it sounds in one simple sentence. 

That’s why I cry out, like David, the Psalmist, for “wisdom, insight and understanding” every day. Living in peace with everyone requires unique skills that are developed and honed as we follow the prophet, Micah’s advice, “to love justice, mercy and walk humbly with God”. This is all part of living in peace.

Jesus says, “my peace I leave you, not as the world gives…” (John 14) His gift of peace must fill our own mind and heart. With our own minds and hearts at peace with God, while living it out, will help us to be more at peace with others, and more skillful to “do our part” in keeping the peace. 

Jesus also preached, “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

So, we are to do everything possible, with God’s help, to defuse a rift, argument or situation on the playgrounds of life, NOT escalate it. We should make peace where possible. Don’t hit back. Make peace.

Dear Heavenly Father, This is important to You because You are telling us in many ways that ultimate peace will come from You. We want to do our part by not hitting back, but loving You and others like You love…unconditionally. You promised wisdom for this when we ask. We are asking. Help us in this important life skill…making peace.
In Jesus Name and by His Power living in us, Amen.