If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (CSB)
This verse presents a daunting challenge, “live at peace with everyone.” We don’t always live at peace with those who are closest to us, let alone everyone. It begins with the condition, “If Possible.” What makes it possible? After all, Christ-followers don’t always have a good relationship with each other, so how can we expect to live at peace with everyone?
The words of Jesus come to mind: “Everything is possible for the one who believes.” Mark 9:23 (CSB). We know that Jesus was addressing the father of a boy tormented by demons, but we know that there are people around us who are demonized. So, it is a reasonable application.
In the middle of this verse, we find the conditional, “as far as it depends on you.” This can be difficult to understand. What if the reason there is not peace, is our unwillingness to compromise the truth of God’s word? If that is the case, there will not be peace. But adherence to the truth is usually not the problem. It is far more likely to be personality and a lack of concern for others.
It was Theodore Roosevelt who said, “People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Once again, it is up to us to tear down walls of separation, instead of building them. When we do, doors are opened so that we can let them know that there is a God in heaven who loves them, and a Savior who died for their sins.
There is much at stake and living at peace with everyone brings great possibilities.
Mission ImPossible
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:22–23 (NLT)
Finding “common ground” is not always easy. Think for a moment about all the things that divide us. We have left vs. right; conservatives vs. progressives; vegans vs. normal people; Calvinists vs. Armenians, and we could go on and on. It can be easy to find things that we disagree on, and seemingly impossible to find areas of agreement.
To find common ground sometimes requires creative thinking. The goal after all, should be to bring people to Christ. It is not just about living in peace, it’s about the ministry of reconciliation.
Someone once said, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Living in peace with everyone, at least as far as it depends on us, is a tall order. But first, we must remember our mission. It is not that we be proven right, as far as our preferences and choices go. It is about shining as brightly as we can in a dark world, so that others can find their way to Jesus.
A great obstacle we face is the innate desire to have our opinions validated. It might be our political opinions, our choices in food or entertainment, but we want to be right. Secondly, we want to be heard.
Oswald Chambers put it this way: “Jesus Christ can afford to be misunderstood; we cannot. Our weakness lies in always wanting to vindicate ourselves.” “If possible,” can only become a reality for us if we take on the attitude of a servant.
Cultivate Peace
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. James 3:17–18 (CSB)
If we take seriously the goal of living at peace with everyone, we must learn how to cultivate peace. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7 (NLT). Furthermore, patience is required because many things are at work.
This world conditions us for instant gratification. We may agree that living in peace with everyone is good. But once seeds are planted, it takes time. James tells us that the farmer waits for both the early and the later rains. When we sow seeds of peace, we must give it time. Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 (CSB)
When we look at the differences in beliefs, opinions, and actions, we may wonder if peace is ever possible. Gratefully, while we have a responsibility to sow seeds of peace, it is God who makes it possible. When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. Proverbs 16:7 (NLT)
Peace Is Possible
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 (CSB)
Peace, in and of itself, is a desirable goal. Peace also facilitates open doors so that the good news of salvation can reach many people. Paul instructed us to pray this way: First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (CSB)
A “tranquil and quiet life” is a peaceful life, and that is good. Paul continues: This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3–4 (CSB).
Peace opens the door for communication. Do not be mistaken, the way of peace is difficult. The Psalmist said this: I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war! Psalm 120:7 (NLT). Not everyone wants peace. Peace is not always possible, but that should not deter us to do everything that lies within our power to live at peace with all people.
Steve Ekeroth