S) "18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."
Romans 12:18 (NASB)
O) After going to great lengths to discuss the incredible grace that is involved in the salvation of the Gentiles (chapter 11), Paul begins listing commandments we are to obey (remembering of course, that it is the Holy Spirit speaking through Paul, as this is the inspired word of God). Not all of the verses around 18 are contextually related, exactly, so this one stands fairly well alone. While it has two clauses in it, the instruction itself is completely inclusive, "be at peace with all men." (i.e., mankind - emphasis added). While it might seem that the first portion of the verse is allowing for some leeway, I think it's really just placing more responsibility on us as individuals, to be proactive in making peace with others. If someone has a dispute with me, which is disrupting peace, I cannot simply claim innocence (although I may be innocent), and be done with the matter. If there is anything I can still do to be reconciled to that person, to reestablish peace (even if I carry no fault), then it is my responsibility to make peace.
A) For many years, I simply didn't care what other people thought of me (or much else, really). To me it seemed, that if I didn't care about someone else's opinion of me, then there was no conflict. A person could truly despise me, but if I didn't feel the same about them, I considered that to be just fine, even peaceful. As the LORD has changed my heart, though, and as I read more and more Scripture (like the verse above), it has become very clear to me that I have more responsibility with this topic than I previously knew. If someone holds something against me, if possible, I need to go do whatever I can to make peace with that person. It is not enough for me to simply not care about their opinion. I cannot simply think well of them, while they are bitter toward me, and think that I have done my part (since I am not reciprocating the bitterness). The main purpose in my life is to glorify God. He is glorified most in these conflicts, when I am humbling myself toward others, and seeking to be at peace with them. Sometimes, my best efforts will remain unfruitful - there is just no pleasing some people. However, I am not omniscient. I won't know for sure until I try. Also, God could very likely have more purpose in my obedience, than what my own eyes perceive. And so, I obey the command to do whatever is possible, within my ability, to establish peace with others.
P) Father, the grace of Your love is evident in my heart. I can see clearly, how much You have changed my perception - especially regarding my view of others. It humbles me, to remember how callous I was in my relationships. Thank You for taking my heart of stone, and giving me a heart of flesh. Open my eyes to see when people are bitter toward me, or where there is conflict, or a general lack of peace. Open my ears, to hear Your instruction and guidance, so that I can - if possible - reestablish peace with every person. Let me start this with the people closest to me. Establish Your peace in my home, and let me be a good steward of that peace, that I am actively working to maintain it. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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