I have been thinking all day about a scripture:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
And here is how I broke it down.
IF it is possible.
IF there is a reason that it is your responsibility and it depends on you for resolution.
Then… live at peace with everyone.
The Apostle Paul has been writing about love in action prior to this verse. He describes love as being sincere, clinging to what is good, honoring one another, keeping spiritual fervor, and being joyful in affliction and faithful in prayer. He then exhorts us to live in harmony with one another stating that humility is key.
So what does he mean when he says IF it is possible? I believe that we can follow all of the above prescriptives, but even so, there are times when we cannot be at peace with someone. We can be humble, honoring them above ourselves; be joyful in affliction and loving them with God’s love. And all of this is possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.
But…. we cannot change someone’s heart. We cannot be responsible for other people’s issues that they heap on us with blame shifting. We cannot heal someone who is resistant to being at peace with us. Perhaps we remind them of someone who harmed them in some way and they reject all of our good efforts to be at peace with them.
I share this from my heart because I have someone in my life that I love dearly and there is no peace in the relationship. On their part, they want nothing to do with me. All my good efforts have fallen on deaf ears. I am writing this blog for those of you who find yourself in a similar situation.
IF it is possible, as far as it depends on you, be at peace with all persons.
But sometimes there are people who do not want to be at peace with you. The Lord knows your heart to be reconciled, and it is His responsibility to help you work through the fact that the relationship is at odds. Jesus is clear that He is the burden bearer and this has given me such peace.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
As Christians, we grow into a deeper understanding over the years that Jesus is the One who bears our burdens. He has a big-picture view that we do not have. Being at peace with others has two sides: depending on Jesus and doing what He tells us to do in order to be a peacemaker. He never calls us to keep peace. He calls us to bring peace into our situations.
IF it is possible. That is the key. Sometimes it simply isn’t possible. But God… will carry you through it and bring you peace because He Is the Prince of Peace.
Joanne
