Daily Devotion: At Peace With All

Scripture:
Romans 12: 17-21

Main Verse:
Romans 12: 18
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Observation:
Have you ever tried reconciling with someone whom you have done wrong? What about with someone who has done you wrong? In both instances, how did the reconciliation go? Sometimes, it is difficult or even impossible to bring back harmony to a broken relationship. The apostle Paul knows that, so he tells us "if possible." There are times when reconciliation will be tough. There are times when making peace with others will be a gargantuan task. But we are still to live in peace with others. When we try to be at peace with all, it means we want to live in harmony with others. When we live in harmony with others, we exhibit Christian-like characteristics. When others see that we exhibit Christian-like characteristics, we can draw them near to God. And when they draw near to God, they will experience God's goodness in their lives.

Application:
The Bible tells us that it is not always possible to live at peace with all, but that does not give us the freedom to hate them. If there is someone who is so mean at you no matter how nice you try to be at them, or if there is someone you can't get along with, you don't have to force yourself to like them, but you should not also be mean at them. You must realize that others may also feel the same way toward you. We should try to exhaust all possible means to be at peace with all and continue to show genuine love toward that person. We need to ask God to help us be more loving toward others. As Christians, it is still our responsibility to seek and achieve peace in all circumstances.

Prayer:
Lord, you are the Prince of peace and you have brought peace in this world. Teach me to try to seek peace with everyone. Remove the spirit of discord in my heart, and may love fill me up instead. In your Most Holy Name I pray. AMEN.