May 12
Peace
with Everyone
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Daily Steps
Conflict in relationships is one of the most common causes of lost inner peace. This verse provides the new believer with a foundational instruction for restoring and maintaining external harmony: live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on you.
The peace in this command is rooted in personal responsibility:
The Priority of Peace: The command is to "live at peace with everyone." This elevates peace-making to a high priority in the Christian life. We are to actively seek harmony with all people, regardless of their faith or behavior.
The Personal Boundary: The essential qualifier is "as far as it depends on you." This sets a healthy, realistic boundary. You are responsible for your own attitude, actions, humility, and willingness to reconcile; you are not responsible for the other person's response, willingness to forgive, or choice to continue conflict.
The Result is Inner Peace: When you have sincerely done everything that depends on you to restore harmony, you release the burden of the conflict. The resulting peace is a peace of conscience, knowing you have fulfilled God's command.
Your relational peace is secured by focusing on your own actions. Do your part with grace and humility, and then trust God to handle the rest.
Reflective Question
Is there a strained relationship where you need to take one more step to fulfill the command, "as far as it depends on you" (e.g., apologizing for your part, offering forgiveness, or simply letting go of a grudge)? What is that single step?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess the discomfort and anxiety that strained relationships bring. I pray for the wisdom and humility to obey Your command. Help me to sincerely live at peace with everyone, focusing only on the part that depends on me. Grant me the peace of conscience that comes from releasing the outcome to Your sovereign care. Amen.
