Live Peaceably With All People

-February 2, 2024-

Good morning beloved, happy Friday,

“If it possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men”

(Romans 12:19).

This world is not a peaceful world; there is conflict everywhere and it is all because of sin. The only reason we have peace is we have peace with God. When Jesus was born, the angel proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men” (Luke 2:14)!

Jesus is the Prince of Peace who gives us the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Because we have His peace in our hearts, we can show peace to others. Let us then live peaceably with all men. It is a tall order, an impossible task without the Lord Jesus Christ.

In Romans 12:17-20 Paul shares the recipe for peaceful living: repay no one evil for evil; have regard for all men; do not avenge yourselves, but give place to God’s wrath and vengeance; give food and drink to our enemies; and overcome evil with good. Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

God pronounces a blessing on the peace makers: Jesus said in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be the sons of God.” Are you a peacemaker? Do you promote and practice peace toward all? God gives us power to do it! The hymn writers Jill Jackson and Sy Miller wrote, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me; Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.”

Paul says if it is possible, meaning there are times when others won’t respond to our peaceful efforts. In addition, we can’t compromise the Word of God and God’s truth just to pacify this world. But when it depends on us, we must live peacefully in love.

Have a blessed, peaceful day. People are watching us and listening to us. Stay safe and healthy.

With God’s peace within, we can show His peace without,

Dean