If Possible
Scripture Reading: Psalm 48; Romans 12
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all… - Romans 12:18
Jesus said it clearly in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Paul echoes that call here in Romans 12.
Up until now, Paul has been focusing on how we can be right with God—how a person can be saved. He explains the Gospel of Jesus Christ, leading us to a saving relationship with God through faith in Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This faith gives us eternal life. We are justified now, are being sanctified, and will be glorified one day in the resurrection.
But what about the here and now?
That’s where Paul turns his attention in these final chapters of Romans. He understands we live in a “now but not yet” time. We have peace with God, and the peace of God in our hearts, but we still have to live in a world that’s anything but peaceful.
“How shall we then live?”
Paul answers: as people at peace with God, we should also be people who live peaceably with others.
Paul is a realist, though. Not everyone wants peace. Some folks thrive on conflict—call them drama queens, or, in today’s terms, “Karens” and “Kens” (no offense to anyone with those names—they didn’t come from me!).
Still, the burden is on us who know Jesus to do all we can to live peacefully. We shouldn’t be the ones kicking hornets’ nests or throwing rocks at dogs (metaphorically speaking, of course). Instead, we’re called to be peacemakers.
Will we always succeed? No. Sometimes people just won’t have it. No guilt if you try and fail because the other party refuses peace.
But as far as it depends on you, do everything you can to be the one who brings peace into a chaotic world.
Be a peacemaker.
