Living in Peace
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)
Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. If someone is acting silly, or they just “bug” you, hold your tongue and keep the peace. “Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14 NKJV). The “evil” you need to depart from is nagging, picking fights, and gossiping.
The “good” is holding your tongue, or speaking words of encouragement. You are to seek peace and pursue it. It won’t just fall in your lap. You have to diligently go after peace. You are to live peacefully with people if it is possible, but it’s not always possible. First, some people simply like to fight and make trouble. Sometimes they’re bored, and they find it entertaining to stir up turmoil. Avoid them. Second, it’s not always possible to do the right thing and still get along with everyone. If a person is doing something clearly wrong (like lying or cheating), then speak up. You are to keep the peace, but not at any price.
If Amber is shopping with Caitlin, and Amber thinks the new shoes Caitlin bought are ugly, she needs to live in peace by keeping her opinion to herself. But it’s a different matter if she sees Caitlin steal from the shoe store. Yes, it will make Caitlin upset and angry if Amber confronts her, but it would be wrong for Amber to go along with it and keep quiet.
Sometimes we keep silent (or keep the peace) about a wrong behavior so that we won’t lose a friendship or lose acceptance. This is a wrong reason to live in peace. Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and it takes time and patience to grow fruit. Do your part to live in peace with all people.
More Devotions to Get You Thinking
Are You Talking to Me?
“The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” —John 4:9 (TNIV)
The Samaritan woman drawing water at the well was surprised when Jesus asked her for a drink. At that time, Jews refused to associate with Samaritans. (Jews believed they would become “unclean” if they used a drinking vessel handled by a Samaritan.) Also, women were usually ignored. “Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman” (John 4:27 TNIV). Jesus broke tradition by talking to a Samaritan and a woman. He didn’t consider her “beneath” him.
You learn about prejudice when your family moves. You never felt out of place while living in Texas, but when your family relocates to a small town in Minnesota, you’re the only Hispanic student in your school. Most kids ignore you. Some treat you like you have a contagious disease. A few call you names. Being the target of discrimination and bigotry is more hurtful than you ever would have guessed. Two years later, your family moves back to Texas. You absolutely love being “home,” but you’ve changed. From now on, you’re careful to never make another prejudiced comment. You’ve learned firsthand the pain it can cause.
Certain people believe they are worth more than others. God’s Word, however, has strong words for such people: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3 TNIV). God’s Word clearly says that your worth isn’t in your nationality or the color of your skin. Instead, judge yourself by the strength of your faith in God. That’s what really matters.
Go Fish!
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
When Jesus started his preaching ministry, he began to gather followers. These people (disciples) would first hear his teaching. Then afterwards they could teach and preach to others, telling about the things they had seen Jesus do. Jesus still calls us to follow him and learn from him, and then lead others to Christ.
You know many people—at school, in your neighborhood, maybe even in your own home—who don’t know Jesus as their Savior. How can you introduce these people to Jesus?
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NASB)
In other words, let your good efforts shine out in such a way that others will know your faith in God is real. Letting your light shine can be as simple as putting a smile on your face, saying a kind word to someone, or giving a sincere compliment. How you live is just as important as what you say to others about Jesus. It’s like the bait when you go fishing—it’s attractive and makes people come closer.
Maybe you’ve heard this called “witnessing.” Often we fear we’ll do a poor job in telling others about Christ. Remember: it doesn’t depend on you. Jesus shows us how. First, he says, “Follow me.” Spend time with him, talk to him, get to know him. Then he says that he will make us able to witness effectively with our mouths and our lives and actions.
So grab your bait and pole—and go fishing!