This is going to be challenging.
It’s so simple, yet so hard.
When I first began the 2021 Scripture Journey, I didn’t just want to memorize 52 Bible verses; I wanted to be shaped by them. I wanted God’s word to dwell in my heart in a way that was relevant and powerful in my daily life. With this week’s verse, I’ve got all I can handle.
Last week, we focused on God’s ability to transform any situation. Paul writes that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” So we know that God is in control which IS a huge comfort.
But what is our role? What’s required of us?
I’ve had a lot of conviction lately – as the voices all around me get louder and arguments grow more tense – that what’s needed most right now is not louder, cleverer, or more compelling voices. It’s discerning listeners. Listening with an open warmth and asking thoughtful, discerning, curious questions, may be one of the best ways we can share Christ’s love with a society in turmoil.
Because here’s the thing: God calls us to peace within our communities. It’s crystal clear. Romans 12:18 says, “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The New Living Translation puts it slightly differently. It says, “do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Do all that you can. Let that sink in for a minute. Do all that you can to live in peace. We are called to bring peace.
And just in case that sounds too radical, like maybe there’s some context missing, consider this: The verses immediately leading up to this passage tell us to bless those who persecute us (v14) and to live in harmony, without pride. Romans 12:18 is no mistake; it’s a purposefully radical call to action. To actively bring peace. And if you are still questioning this, think about the phrase “divide and conquer.” It originates from Roman warfare as a way to defeat the enemy. It is easier to defeat smaller groups. Satan wants to divide us and that is why God desires unity. There is strength in numbers.
Psalm 133:1 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Think about what non-Christians think when they see Christians fighting and talking negatively about one another. We are unattractive. When we are instruments of chaos and division, we look more like Satan than Christ. Instead, we need to be reflections of our Maker; the one who calls us to live in peace and unity.
So, friends, we have these two powerful verses and a radical charge this week: As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Not everyone who agrees with you. Not everyone finds you convincing. Everyone. Do all that you can. Because we need to live in unity. People who see us, need to see us being examples of unity and peace…even when it is hard. Maybe even MORE so when it is hard. Let us be instruments of peace and unity.
God bless us all as we reflect on His word and let it shape us.
Know you are loved,
