Live Peaceably

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Romans 12:17-18 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

What it is speaking to me:

When I was a child there was a really mean old lady that lived a few houses down. She was rude, mean, and scary- like a villain out of a children's book. Her front yard had a sweetgum tree in it, the kind that drops those little brown spiky balls. One day, I gathered as many as I could and covered her front step with them... I tell you this colorful revenge story as an example of how to fail at living up to Paul's direction.

If you are old enough to read this devotional, then you have experienced a disagreement with someone else. A sibling, parent, neighbor, co-worker, or friend has done something wrong (because you and I are perfect!) and caused a problem. It is easy to blame the troublemaker, and wait semi-patiently for them to repair the damaged peace they have caused with their malfeasance. But then again, maybe we are failing to live up to Paul's direction.

"If it's possible, as much as it depends on you." It is like Paul is saying, "If there is any way at all possible, giving maximum effort when required, live in peace with that person who has wronged you." It is not about compromising truth certainly. It is more about the things Jesus said.

Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers."

Jesus said "deny yourself and pick up your cross"

If we do those things, we can live in peace with others...even if they own a sweetgum tree.

What is it saying to you?

Do you struggle to live in peace with others?

Why or why not?

What are we going to do about it?

Take the first, humbling step to de-escalate a tense relationship or misunderstanding you currently have.