Live Peaceably With All Men

Paul addresses the believers in this chapter to live their lives that are pleasing to the Lord (v. 1), to the brethren (v. 10), and with other people around them. As God’s children (Jn 1:12), we are all responsible for our own actions (Rom 14:12)! Since “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1), we must also “live peaceably with all men,” as much as possible. We are to go the extra mile (Mt 5:41), without demanding the same from others. If there is some kind of hostility that is ongoing with another person, we should take the lead in restoring peace with “such an one in the spirit of meekness” (Gal 6:1).

By being “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us” (Eph 4:32). If every believer will do his or her Christlike role (1 Cor 11:1), then there will be no place for trouble with others or any disunity within our local churches! Some believers try to take matters into their own hands when they are offended. However, God says, “vengeance is mine; I will repay” (v. 19). The Christian way is not to fight back in the flesh. Jesus also gave the command to, “love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Mt 5:44).

We must leave everything God’s hands – he knows it all (Isa 40:28), and He sees it all (Prov 15:3)! And He will set the record straight in His time. He just wants us to humbly reach out to them with love and compassion (Jude 1:22). We don’t have any control on how others may treat us, but we have absolute control over how we respond to them in a godly way. If they reject our offer of peace, then it will be between them and God. We have done our part and that is all that He requires! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera