If Possible

 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all(Rom 12:18).

On the surface this sounds like an easy command to obey. Yetit takes everything we learn about Christ and to emulate him to be able to doit. The reason it is difficult is that no matter how much we put others beforeourselves, how much we strive to be kind to others, there will always besomeone who is going to have consternation with you.

Maybe not all the time, but because people are sinful, evenother believers may become abusive against you. Even members of your ownhousehold.

The key to remember and not become despondent or devastatedabout it is the small phrase, “so far as it depends on you.” How do you do that?Don't give others reasons for offense. But know that even then some will findyour behavior offensive. Just don't do it on purpose or go out of your way tomake it happen.

When it happens, don't look for vengeance (Rom 12:19) butstill treat them lovingly as much as possible (Rom 12:20). Wait for the Lord totake care of it. Of course if I'm at fault I must confess and ask forforgiveness. But even then, some may not forgive but I've done what I could doto be at peace.

Help me Lord, not to be overcome by evil but overcome evilwith good (Rom 12: 21).

Copyright by Ray Ruppert