Romans 12:16-21
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
1 Peter 3:11
They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
God makes it clear through His Word that we are to live in peace and harmony with others. It isn’t always easy to seek peace. We live in a time when anger is the go to emotion for most of us and I will admit that I have too quickly turned to anger in many situations when I should have tried harder to seek peace. Most of us rush around in a hurry and our tempers flare whenever anyone gets in our way. We are so “me” focused that we have no compassion or patience for anyone else. This isn’t the way we are supposed to live. Fortunately for us, God doesn’t tell us to live in peace without telling us HOW to live in peace. Below, I have listed five ways that we can live at peace with those around us:
- Romans 14:13– Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
- 1 Corinthians 12:25– so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.
- Galatians 6:2– Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
- James 5:9– Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
- 1 Peter 4:9– Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
I think God spells it out pretty clearly without any further explanation from me on how He expects us to live. If we live as God is telling us than living at peace with others will be so much easier.
The Challenge: Ask yourself these questions; Is there anyone I am living in judgement of? Why do I judge that person and how can I help them instead of judging them? Is there someone in my life that needs some help carrying their burden? How can I help to ease that person’s burden? Do I have concern for others who may be struggling? If not, Why? How can I show my concern for those who need a helping hand? How can I show concern for those who need Jesus? Do I go about my day grumbling? Why? How can I find the blessings in my day instead of grumbling about the things that irritate me? Do I have the opportunity to show hospitality to anyone? How can I show hospitality with a gracious attitude, instead of grumbling and making that person feel unwelcome? What other ways can I find to live in harmony with those around me? What ways can I bring peace to my community?
Living in harmony with EVERYONE is not always easy. People get on our nerves and the last thing we want is to make peace with them. But, if we want to live as God instructs us to then we MUST find a way to live in harmony and peace with those we live with and whose lives our lives touch. When we each do our part to bring peace to the world, Satan loses ground. When we reach out to create harmony in our communities, Satan loses a battle. Satan wants to keep us wrapped up in our anger, hurt feelings, selfishness, and busyness. As long as we are wrapped up in negativity, we can not accomplish anything for God. God is a God of peace and harmony. Why would we want to continue to live in our anger? Why would we want to continue to live in a world of chaos and fear? Why do we continue to allow Satan to keep us tied up in our selfishness? Why are we blind to the fact that living in peace is so much better for ALL of us? Why do we refuse to allow the peace of God to abide in us? Questions we ALL need to reflect on and answer for ourselves. Let me leave you with the following promises of God:
Proverbs 16:7
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Seek Peace in ALL you do and God will bless you! Peace be with you!
Patti Burris 