As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone – Romans 12:17-18
Do you know any drama queens (or kings)? Some people seem to carry drama with them everywhere they go–stirring up conflict, driving wedges and taking offence to everything. Those people are exhausting to be around. The Bible encourages us to be the opposite:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. – Romans 12:17-18
Peace is also listed as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
The fruits of the spirit (or lack thereof) in your life become especially apparent in your relationship with others. It is easy to be the most loving, kind and patient person in the world as long as you are by yourself. Bring an overbearing parent, annoying sibling or demanding spouse into the mix, and suddenly, those fruits are much harder to produce. 😤
How do we cultivate the fruit of peace in our lives? For starters, stay away from unnecessary conflict by becoming a good listener who doesn’t have a temper:
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. – James 1:19
Secondly, making things right with others should always be a priority:
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:23-24
friend, how healthy is the “peace” fruit in your life? Is there someone you need to make things right with? Let this be your reminder: don’t wait–do it today!
