It was important that we took the last two weeks to slow down and properly understand the instructions given in Romans 12:17 because we need to wholly submit to God’s commands to “repay no one evil for evil” and “have regard for good things in the sight of all men” in order to better obey the command given to us in verse 18:
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18 NKJV)
Let’s take time this week to dig deeper
into this command.
If It Is Possible
possible (Strong’s Greek
#1415 ‘dunatos’) describes what is
made possible through the power/ability exerted by the subject. In other words:
“as much as depends on you”.
Thought and effort is necessary. Remember in our study last
week, “Have regard for good things” meant that we prepare ourselves to know what is good
(through reading/study of God’s word)
and we cling to it (Romans 12:9); we apply it to every single situation, every
single day. Our regard for good things will be obvious when people hear our
words, and observe our calm attitude and composed conduct.
Live Peaceably
live peaceably
(Strong’s Greek #1514 ‘eireneuo’)
means to be at peace, to live in peace, to
keep peace. It means to cultivate peace (prepare oneself in order to bring
peace about), bring about harmony. Take time to read these passages: 2
Corinthians 13:11, Mark 9:50, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
With all men
Just as we saw in the last lesson,
the term “all men” does not allow for any loopholes. We cannot use any
other person in this world as an excuse for not obeying this command – if you
are in a situation, you, as a Christian who walks as Jesus walked (1 John 2:3-6), are to be prepared (through study and practice) to approach that
situation in peace and with peace.
“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14 NKJV)
- It could be through silence (not engaging, 1 Peter 2:20-23)
- It could be by thinking on scriptures that remind you of what is true, good, proper (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)
- It could be through a soft answer (with mercy and grace, Proverbs 15:1-2, Luke 23:39-43)
- It could be by walking away (if nothing else is helping, Luke 4:30, John 10:39)
All of these actions require
wisdom, discernment, and prayerful practice. We cannot accomplish any of them if we are
not first immersing ourselves in God’s word, and through obedience, developing
our trust in the power of His might that we may be able to stand and withstand in
the evil day (Ephesians 6:10-18, 2
Corinthians 10:3-6, 1 Peter 3:15).
When a problem comes up with anyone else: If we do not show them a different way, how will they ever know
(Matthew 5:14-16)?
We do not compromise the truth to keep the peace;
we stand for the truth in a peaceful, peaceable manner.
Reacting to evil with evil will only lead to more evil – and no one will be benefited – but responding to evil with wisdom (James 3:17) and peaceful intent can diffuse the tension and shift things for the better. For one thing, it will keep you on the right path, and for another, it may open the eyes of the perpetrator to a better way of thinking/speaking/behaving.
Are you willing to bring peace to a situation? Even if it does not immediately resolve the
problem, are you willing to keep showing up with peace and in peace?
With God it is possible.
You can do it! So can I!!
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