Romans 12:18 – If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. –
Do you know anyone who rubs you the wrong way so badly that when you walk away from that person you feel like you’re about to explode? Does it seem like that person always says something so rude, unkind, impolite, or derogatory that it nearly makes your blood boil? Well, consider this: Have you ever had the thought that you may be rubbing that person the wrong way as well? The Holy Spirit leads us to Romans 12:18. If it is possible, as much as rests in your ability, with all your being as it depends on you, live at peace with ALL men. This means that God is expecting us to do everything we can within our power to live at peace with everyone.
I know that you have relationships that trouble you, as this is true of everyone. If you’re tired of getting upset or being irritated or unsuccessfully trying to correct those individuals, perhaps you should choose a route of simply seeking to be at peace, and perhaps not try to constantly correct them. If you are exhausted from trying to fix a relationship, and yet your contact with that person is inescapable, ask God to help you deal with your own heart so that you can be at peace even with that person. Focus on the good in them and have compassion. That difficult relationship is part of “all men”. It doesn’t mean that you will agree with that person, condone what he or she does, or discard your beliefs to obtain peace. It simply means you choose not to enter the fray with that person any longer. You recognize that you are not God and humble yourself, remembering that had it not been for the Holy Spirit in you, you would probably be the same way. In fact, without Jesus, you more than likely were.
You’ll be more at peace when you are unmoved by the difficult people in your life because you have set yourself to be at peace with all men. Pray for them and love them through it all.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to my heart today. Today I release forgiveness towards certain people in my life. I ask for Your wisdom to know what to say and do when I am in the presence of others. Help me to die to my self-centered ways and keep my mind focused on You. Help me walk in humility and help me become all things to win a few. Protect my heart from anger and bitterness. Protect me from unforgiveness. Protect me from pride. Thank You for leading me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.