Be a Peacemaker

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Scripture: Romans 12:18-21 (ESV)

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Devotion:

These verses from Romans provide a powerful guide for interacting with others, even those who may be against us.

The Apostle Paul begins by urging us to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on us. This is a call to cultivate peace in our relationships, to seek reconciliation, and to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Paul then addresses the issue of revenge. He encourages us not to take matters into our own hands but to leave room for God's powerful wrath. This is a reminder that vengeance belongs to God, not us. Our role is not to repay evil for evil but to respond with kindness and generosity.

In fact, Paul goes a step further and instructs us to care for our enemies. If they are hungry or thirsty, we should meet their needs. This is not a form of punishment, but a way to show them God's love and kindness.

Finally, Paul concludes with a powerful statement: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." This is a call to resist the temptation to respond to evil with evil. Instead, we are to overcome evil with good, to respond to hatred with love, and to counter injustice with mercy.

So today, let's strive to live out these teachings in our daily lives. Let's seek peace, let go of revenge, love our enemies, and overcome evil with good. In doing so, we will not only transform our own lives, but also impact those around us.

Prayer:

            Holy Father, we see so much hatred, hostility, and violence in our world today it makes us feel afraid and want to hide so these things might not affect us personally. Paul is calling us to actively oppose those things by choosing to respond with faith, hope, and love, giving us the strength to answer that call. Please help us to react in this way. Calm our frayed nerves and short tempers. Grant us, Father, a measure of your grace to help us live as peacemakers where we live, work, and play. Amen.

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