The Path of Peace

Published by christi on July 9, 2020July 9, 2020

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 

                                                                                                                                   -Romans 12:18 (ESV)

In the context of a difficult relationship, my old understanding of this verse has been that once I have done all I can to be reconciled with another, I am allowed to wash my hands of the whole matter and consider the relationship dead. This requires that I define peace as the absence of external conflict, my just reward for my exercise of righteous conduct.  In other words, as long as I have checked the boxes regarding my interactions with others, I can be smug and self-righteous in the face of any kind of relational divide.

“I’ve done all that depends on me. I’m done.”

Somehow, this doesn’t sound like Jesus…or even the apostle Paul, who penned these words. So if I am an everyday follower of Jesus, there must be more or about these words of Scripture that I need to understand.

Lately I have found myself in a situation where I am in danger of being robbed of peace, or at least of the carefully constructed climate that seems like peace. My internal state does not AT ALL resemble peace. Yet, I have no freedom to change the situation, no right to demand different behavior from others, no platform from which to legislate change. Therefore, if I am to experience peace, it must somehow come from me.

Looking at the Greek words it sounds more like:   “If there is power from you, live peaceful amid all humans.”

I have the power that created the universe living in me…I think that’s enough.

Then why don’t I have peace? Jesus promised to give us peace, not the way the world defines it, but the peace of God that comes with living in the truth, in line with God’s thinking.

What untruth am I living in? Or what supposed rights am I clinging to that must be laid aside?

In this case, they are: the “right” to be well-thought-of, and the “right” to have my house kept the way I prefer. Jesus said His followers were to expect to be hated even by members of their own households…so much for reputation.

My husband and I have given our house to God for Him to use for His purposes. So, “my” house is to be kept according to how HE prefers. I do not have the “right” to demand how it is kept. It doesn’t always match what I am hoping for, and I cannot cling to my hope or expectation. It is not MY house.

Do you have any idea how much peace comes from that? And how much stress it takes off of relationships?

I do not live perfectly in this peace, but I have much more than when I started!

Still Following Jesus every day in the everyday,

Christi

P.S. How have you seen truth bring peace to your life?