Make Every Effort for Peace

Scripture: Romans 14:19 (NIV)

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Devotion:

In a world where deceit and violence often make the headlines, the call to be peacemakers has never been more urgent or more countercultural. Romans 14:19 challenges us to “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” This is not a passive suggestion—it’s a bold charge to actively pursue peace as a daily commitment, shaping our lives and communities in ways that reflect the heart of Christ.

What does it mean to “make every effort” for peace? It means that peace is not automatic, nor is it easy to achieve. It requires intentional choices—choices to speak truth in love, to forgive, to seek understanding when it would be easier to judge, to extend kindness when you’re met with anger. True peace isn’t just the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of justice, mercy, and righteousness. In a world where deceit often lurks in the shadows and violence masquerades as strength, followers of Jesus are called to stand out as beacons of hope and reconciliation.

Imagine, for a moment, a world where deceit is rare and violence even rarer. Picture neighborhoods where people trust one another, families who build each other up, and communities where reconciliation is valued over retaliation. These glimpses of peace aren’t just idealistic dreams—they are the fruit of believers living out the gospel in their everyday relationships. When we resist the temptation to manipulate, choose transparency over hidden agendas, and turn away from cycles of anger and revenge, we make space for the peace of Christ to flourish.

The journey to peace always begins within. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart for places of unrest—jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, or fear. Invite God to replace those places with His peace, the kind that passes understanding. As His peace takes root in your heart, it becomes easier to extend it to others, to respond with grace even when it’s difficult, and to build bridges instead of walls. This inner transformation is the foundation for lasting peace in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Let’s not be content with fleeting moments of harmony or surface-level civility. Instead, let us “make every effort”—with perseverance and love—to be peacemakers until Jesus returns. Our world desperately needs people who will choose truth over deception, mercy over violence, and unity over division. Each act of kindness, each word of encouragement, each step toward reconciliation is a seed of peace planted in the soil of a hurting world.

Until Jesus comes again to bring ultimate peace, let’s dedicate ourselves to living out this calling. Let’s inspire those around us by the way we love, forgive, and pursue justice. May our lives point to the Prince of Peace, and may our efforts—however small—help create communities where deceit and violence are rare, and God’s peace reigns.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to be a peacemaker in a world so often divided by deceit and violence. Fill my heart with Your peace so that I can share it generously. Use me to bring healing and hope until You come again. Amen.