Paul said in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as much as
depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
While Paul surely meant to convey the idea of being at peace with
others, it seems that there is more to it than that. Notice the phrase that he used: “live peaceably.” One Psalmist said, “…seek peace and pursue it.”
(Psalm 34:14.) Living peaceably means we are seeking
peace always. Being a peacemaker
(Matthew 5:9) is more likely to happen when we are living peaceably.
Many times I’ve read Romans 12:18 and concentrated on the
first half of the verse – “If it is
possible, as much as depends on you.” It's
true some folks won't let you live in peace, but that does not free us from the
responsibility of seeking peace. This
means, I should avoid speaking evil against those who make peace illusive. (I
Peter 3:10) We should never cause
disputes or quarrels, but this still does not mean that we will not be the
objects of persecution.
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus
will suffer persecution.” (II Timothy
3:12.) It is a certainty that the
righteous will be afflicted, yet we must still pursue peace. Jesus said, “But I tell you not to resist an
evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him
also. If anyone wants to sue you and
take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” (Matthew 5:39-40.) Maintaining peace can be downright hard, and
God knows exactly how much we are capable of doing to achieve it. Could you be
doing more?
The prophet, Zechariah, said, “Love the truth and
peace.” (Zechariah 8:19.) To keep peace, a person has to love peace. Jesus would certainly have acknowledged that
there are some who do not even like peace. But as Christians, we should show the world
our love for God’s peace. Do you promote
peace among your classmates, your co-workers, and your family? Do you strive to keep peace in the body of
Christ? “And if it be possible, as much
as lieth in you, live peaceably.”
“Though it be but barely
possible, labour after it.” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary.)
----Darrell Powell
