Live at Peace with One Another (in view of God’s mercy) – Romans chapter 12, verses 17 to 21
Background: No strong Christians
Only those who know they are weak, and depend on God alone, and give themselves to God in consecration. Such people make a strong church. Love is the key, even to our enemies.
Conflict is inevitable, but conflict exposes the genuineness of love.
Do what is right and live at peace with everyone
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honourable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Romans 12:17-18
- If it’s possible. History is littered with times when peace isn’t achieved, eg, martyrs, and Jesus’ death.
- As far as it depends on you. Do right even if it doesn’t lead to peace.
- “Ah”, we think, “how can I get out of this obligation to love those who trouble me?”. No, make the first move and do what you can.
Leave matters with God and overcome evil with good
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:19-21
- Yes, “they” deserve justice, but not from our hand. Leave it to God. He is just: all injustice will be judged.
- We are not to be avengers, vigilantes. When they are at their weakest, HELP them. Overcome, be a victor over evil, by doing good. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. John 1:5
Looking to Christ, the ultimate peacemaker
50 Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?
Jesus is our example – ‘And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.’ Luke 23:34
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1 Peter 2:21-24
English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
