If Possible

“IF POSSIBLE, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  Romans 12:18 ESV

I always used to say the book of James was written for me. I identified with James. So much talk of guarding your tongue. We need to have an awareness that our words can cause harm, insight division rather than peace.  Lately, I have been feeling a particular fondness for the book of Romans (and Ephesians, but that is for later).

There is so much turmoil and divisiveness in the world today. Friendships are in jeopardy; families are being torn apart. I have both witnessed and experienced it. The last few weeks Romans 12:18 has been in my heart. Paul says, if possible, he doesn’t say:

-if they agree with you

-if they have the same belief as you

-if they have the same political beliefs as you

-if they look like you

This indicates Paul knows it will not always be possible to keep the peace with everyone. This is the part that I don’t like hearing, as far as it depends on me. The responsibility is mine alone and not the other party.

He also didn’t say to live in peace with those we wanted to, he said with all people. I don’t know about y’all, but somedays I struggle with this.  The other party may be in the wrong. It doesn’t matter. As long as I am able, I need to keep the peace. The responsibility is mine alone and not the other party.

As I reflected on this verse so many others were rapid fire popping into my head:

• But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matt 5:39 ESV
• bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Col. 3:13 ESV
• Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14 ESV
• Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22 ESV

It isn’t about them it’s about me. Immersing myself in God’s Word is so incredibly important. I need God’s Word to guide me, to teach me, to correct me, to comfort me, to strengthen me and many other things that escape me now.  What I can tell you is that I am so very thankful for the work the Holy Spirit is doing in me. I am not perfected. I will not be this side of Heaven.