Often when we speak of living in peace we are thinking about no war. But there is a way to live in peace even when war and strife are all around us. Let’s study together this short little passage in the middle of Romans.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18 NLT
The Original Intent
1) What is the context of Romans 12:18?
Paul, a messenger of God, wrote the Letter to the Romans. While he traveled to Rome through Jerusalem, the Spirit of the Lord warned him of trouble brewing in Jerusalem. Paul wrote to the Romans with concern because he thought he might not get to Rome. He wanted to be sure they received the Gospel. Many in the history of the Christian faith, including Augustine and Martin Luther, have expressed the vital importance of this letter.
Today, we dig deep into one small verse, “live in peace with everyone.” To live in peace is a tall order unless the Holy Spirit fills you and directs your life. All of us can remember times in our lives when circumstances pushed us to the limit of our patience. So, we must lean into Romans 12 to “live peaceably with everyone.” Verses 1 & 2 show us the key, “being transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Latter verses lay out things that we can do to pursue peace but, remember that the Holy Spirit within us causes us to pursue peace.
2) Define what “depends on me” means.
Guzik says this shows that there may be times when keeping the peace is impossible. But the Preacher’s Homiletical Commentary tells us,
“If commotions arise, let there be no real fault on your side. Offenses will come, but see that no offense spring from the unwise ordering of life.”
David Guzik, Enduring Word
We can do our part by not avenging ourselves, pursuing peace, and building each other up. It is God’s part to avenge those who are wrong. (Deuteronomy 32:35) We are to return kindness for evil. Sometimes kindness is difficult, but surrendering our lives to the Holy Spirit’s direction makes it possible. We find the key in the first lines of chapter 12 to: “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice…” and “do not conform any longer to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
3) What difference does living a peaceful life make?
Jesus left us the best example of living a peaceful life. When they brought Him before the governor, He remained silent. (Matthew 26:11-14) He forgave those who crucified Him, and the bystanders marveled saying, “surely this is the Son of God.” In His sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
When people watch our lives, they see God. Guzik states that being a peacemaker does not just suggest we be a mediator between two other people. We can be peacemakers through our attitudes and actions even when it is we who are the ones being hurt or offended.
Living in peace will show the world what is possible. The Godly Woman & Living at Peace with all People. #peaceable #liveinpeace #godlywomen #goingglobalgracefullytruthful Share on XLiving in peace will show the world what is possible. When they see our lives, it will draw them to God. This is God’s ultimate goal, bringing peace between God and man. (1 Timothy 2:1-6) We can introduce people to Jesus, the true Mediator, and Peacemaker, through our peaceful lives.
Everyday Application
This is an excerpt from a Study that Mandy wrote for Gracefully Truthful. To read more, and find this study, click on the image below.
Share Your Living in Peace Story
We love hearing from our readers. What is your story about living in peace? Leave in in the comments.
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
I am so grateful that truly, He is our peace. I’ve found it so true also, that just as you shared, I cannot live in peace with others except by God’s great grace renewing and transforming my mind. Thank you for sharing these words and Scriptures here.
Living at peace with EVERYONE is a formidable consideration. But it IS possible through the direction of the Holy Spirit. Thank God he has given us His spirit! Thanks for coming by Bettie.
This is such an intriguing topic to me right now. Can I truly live in peace with others if I do not know how to have God’s peace in my heart in the midst of a challenge? The next question is even trickier – is this living peaceably a conceding to have peace? Or is it a standing firm on faith but doing it in a peaceable stance instead of a warrior stance? So many times peace is equated with compromise. Can a Christian live peaceably without compromising? This is such a good round-table discussion topic – especially in the times in which we live. Thank you, my friend, for making me think hard today!
Maryleigh;
You do bring up some thing to think about. I believe that trusting in God and allowing his Spirit to have control will automatically bring peace. It’s a fruit of having the spirit within us. Thanks for dropping by.