Live at Peace With All

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Scripture: Romans 12:14-21 (NRSV)

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Devotion:

            Here in Romans chapter twelve, we run across a series of instructions on how to live the Christian life. They are not as random as they appear at first glance. They each are teachings on how to get along with those inside and outside the faith. These are instructions that if followed will bring honor to the name Christian. An outcome all believers are to pursue. These instructions, however, are not to be made into an eleventh commandment-“Thou shalt be nice”. We must still oppose evil wherever we find it.

            Let us take a closer look at these instructions. First, we find the command to bless those who persecute you. This is counter intuitive. Our natural response is to respond negatively to those who seek to do us evil. We are to remember the example of Jesus during his trial and execution. He never spoke evil of those who were literally killing him, rather he forgave those who hung him upon the cross. Jesus lived a life that was free of retaliation here on earth. We have his word that he will return and repay in kind those who have done evil.

            In verses 16 and 18 we find Paul exhorting us to live at peace with those around us. We are to live a life of peace with or neighbors. Paul’s statement in verse 18 indicates that our neighbors might not always want to live peaceably with us, but we are still to the extent that it lies under our control seek peace with all people.

            Paul, in these words gives us a plan for how we can live a Christian life in an unchristian world. People will always seek to bring conflict into our lives. Only Jesus who gives us the peace which passes understanding can keep our hearts and minds stayed on peace and harmony We must always seek to live quiet, peaceful lives among unbelievers. So that they will glorify God for the peace and goodwill we show them.

Prayer:

            Lord God Almighty, we give you praise and worship at all times. We ask that we may be able to live in peace with our neighbors. Grant that you would keep are minds and hearts stayed on the perfect peace your son Jesus provides. Stand beside us in all the troubles and trials we face today. Calm our hearts and minds. Ease our fears and anxieties. Grant us rest and peace this day. Amen 

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