Romans 12-13

We are called to live like Jesus as his disciples. Paul reminds us of that in Romans 12:18, “Live peaceably with all people.” (NET)  However, Paul had been a Christian long enough to know that some people don’t want to live peaceably with anybody.  Many of those people are outside the fellowship of faith, but not all of them.  So the phrasing that precede this call in verse 18 is important to understand, “If possible, so far as it depends on you,”.  It seems like we will encounter people who thrive on conflict.  Can we be at peace with them?  I don’t know.  Paul must have questioned it as well because he prefaced his statement with “If possible”.  That leads me to think that he felt there were some people with who peace is not possible.  So how do we deal with these people?  The thoughts that precede and follow this call for a peaceful life cannot be any clearer; “Do not repay anyone evil for evil”, and “Do not avenge yourselves”.  We have been charged to live in peace.  But if those who come against us will not grant us peace God has given us a plan B:  Respond without evil and allow God the room to work in your oppressors’ lives.  This is hard because it seems like I never see God give a persecutor justice.  But that is not my call.  My desire should be for peace, not vengeance.  If I know that I can bring about a peaceful resolution then I need to trust in God that he will.  How long will it take?  Beats me!!!  But out God is faithful, and our Lord Jesus isn’t called Prince of Peace for no reason.

Stuart