Living in Peace with Others
“Do your best to live in peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Are you the kind of person who likes to cause conflict or gossip about others and their situations? Do you say something to someone just to get a certain reaction out of them? The reaction you want to hear from them is an evil response like a jealousy, anger or a sarcastic response. What we say has a big impact on how we live in peace with others. Our mouth can be used to encourage and lift up or it can be used to tear others down. Ephesians 4:29 describes how Christians should use their mouths:
“When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.”
Living in peace with others includes us treating others how we would want someone to treat us. Matthew 7:12 says, “Do to others what you want them to do to you.” This is a rule all Christians should live by since Jesus did. He was honest with people; He was kind to those who hated Him and prayed for people who were crucifying Him. He even forgave them as He prayed for them. He asked God to forgive them since they did not know what they were doing (Luke 23:34).
If we try to live in peace with others, then we are truly seen as children of God (Matthew 5:9). Nevertheless, we look to Jesus as the supreme peacemaker who reconciled people to God (Isaiah 9:6). He did it by His life, death, and resurrection. His teachings emphasized love, forgiveness, and reconciliation as paths to peace. Jesus reassures His followers in John 14:27 not to be anxious or fearful even during challenges since He will provide them with the strength and peace they will need.
Prayer of the day:
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you for Jesus and His peace that He provides for people. He is the ultimate peacemaker. Please help us to follow His ways as we try to be peacemakers in a fallen world. Help us to show others that we are Your people, and it is shown through our actions and words. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
