Living Peaceably With All

8/28/2018

I love that this passage reminds me of the price of peace and the price of peacekeeping. We are to repay no one with evil. No one! Not even the people who we believe might deserve it. Instead, we are to meditate and give thought to what is honorable in the sight of all.

We're called to live peaceable with ALL people. Not just those we like. Not just those who are like us. Not just those who are easy to get along with. All people!

Wow! This is a tough one!

This passage clearly states to avenge a wrong (and who here hasn't been treated wrongly at some point, right?) is not our job. It's not our duty. Not our calling. Not in our job description. That is totally the business of our Heavenly Father, our protector, our avenger.

How to Live Peaceably with All

So, how do we live in peace with those who make our life difficult? This passage lays it out. Feed them, give them drink. Practically speaking, pray for them! PRAYER—that's my go-to, all-purpose tool in my toolbox for life. I mean how can I be angry with someone when I am seriously committed to uplifting them in prayer? That's just my simple way of overcoming evil with good!

"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 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.' 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.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:17-21

Do you struggle to live peaceably with all? Do you struggle with bitterness or unforgivingness? Checkout this post from earlier in the month There Are Worms in My Garden of Unforgivingness.

“There is no use in talking as if forgiveness were easy…For we find that the work of forgiveness has to be done over and over again.” —C.S. Lewis

Forgiveness is work, it's difficult work. At the same time though, it's a gift I give myself. When I forgive, I release myself to love that person as God loves that person and as He loves me.

So, how do you live peaceably?

2 Comments

Brittney Thompson

3/20/2022 05:49:46 pm

There is that the beginning part “so as much much as it depends on you “ I don’t think I get that part, I guess it means it’s up to you. But how I live peaceably with all, I forgive people. I pray for people. But I will also say what I don’t think “live peaceably with all” means. To live peaceably with all, I don’t think that means you have to make the person like you or force them to Change. I also don’t think it means that you have to agree with everything they say just to have “peace” or that you can’t get angry and talk to them about what it is that you’re angry about. Like sometimes in a married relationship, you and your husband or wife may have a conflict/argument, but you shouldn’t say things to hurt your spouse or partner. Living peacefully with all could mean you forgive that person, and love that person when they may seem unlovable.

Patsy Burnette link

12/18/2023 06:03:32 am

Absolutely, Brittney, your understanding aligns well with the biblical explanation of living peaceably with all. While the phrase "so far as it depends on you" acknowledges that you can't control the actions of others, it emphasizes taking personal responsibility for fostering peace. Your interpretation is insightful – living peaceably doesn't require making everyone like or agree with you. At the same time, you don't have to agree with everyone to be at peace with them. It's about practicing forgiveness, showing love in challenging situations, and addressing conflicts with respect and constructive communication. I believe that's what Jesus demonstrated during His earthly ministry. Your perspective on forgiveness and love, even when difficult, adds depth to the concept of living peaceably. It recognizes the complexities of relationships, including the occasional need for discussions to resolve conflicts. Your insights on married relationships beautifully illustrate the balance between expressing concerns and maintaining a spirit of peace. Thank you for your comments.

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