March 9
Pursuing Peace
with All People
Hebrews 12:14
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Daily Steps
For a new believer, it can be tempting to give up on difficult relationships. However, this verse issues a command that is essential for relational peace: strive for peace with everyone. This isn't a passive hope; it is an active effort.
The word "strive" means to pursue, to make an earnest effort, or to run a race toward a goal. This means you have a responsibility to initiate and pursue reconciliation, even when the other person may not cooperate.
The peace in this striving comes from knowing two things:
Your Effort is Commanded: You are called to do the work. Your peace does not depend on the other person changing; it depends on you being obedient to the command to strive for peace.
Peace Leads to Holiness: Pursuing peace aligns you with God's character (holiness). When you seek reconciliation, you are drawing closer to the Lord, regardless of the outcome of the relationship.
Your peace is found in your willingness to initiate the effort toward reconciliation. Do your part, and trust God with the results.
Reflective Question
Is there a specific person with whom you have recently stopped striving for peace? What is one small step you can take today—a prayer, a kind word, or a simple gesture—to restart the striving for peace with that person?
Prayer
Lord, I confess the tendency to withdraw from difficult relationships. I pray for the strength and humility to strive for peace with everyone, even when it is challenging.
Help me to remember that my effort is a mark of obedience that aligns me with Your holiness.
Give me the courage to pursue reconciliation today, trusting You with the results. Amen.
