“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

We live in a fractured world where broken relationships are all too common. Perceived slights become the cause of relational breakdown, difficult people try our patience, political differences can divide families and church conflict can split churches. All of us have experienced relational disruption in one way or another. In fact, relational conflict is very common in our world, just as it was in Paul’s day. It is the result of living in a sinful world.

As Christ followers, we are called to a higher way of life. Thus Paul tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Paul acknowledges that peace is not always possible. There are people who love to cause conflict and controversy. All of us have experienced irrational attitudes or those who need to get their own way. Even in the church there are those who love to stir things up and who lack love and grace. 

We cannot control how others live or act, but we can control how we act and react. So Paul puts the spotlight on our own behaviors when he says, “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” We control what we say, whether or not we forgive, how we treat others, whether we exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness and self control. When the behavior of others is obnoxious, we have the option of responding like Jesus would, or elevating the conflict. 

Our God is a God of peace, and His people are called to be people of peace. Again, we cannot control the behavior of others, but we can make a concerted effort to live at peace wherever that is possible. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.” To be a peacemaker is to reflect the character of God.

Think of situations in your life where there may be relational breakdown. Is there something you can do to live in peace rather than in conflict? Are there relationships you can repair? Are there ways that you can contribute to peace rather than to conflict? Are there individuals that you need to forgive? Remember that bitterness and unforgiveness automatically creates a lack of peace between individuals.

Pray with me, the Prayer of St. Francis who said it so well.

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master,

Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.”