If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Romans 12:18 NKJV

Since the end of World War II, there have been more than 250 major wars worldwide.  Obviously, peace is a rare commodity, and peace makers have not been very successful.  Over one million marriages end in divorce yearly in the United States.  Many more families have members who refuse to speak to one another. 

Is it even possible to live peaceably with others?

Peace is a two way street.  It means that both parties must make an effort.  That is why this verse says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you.”

How can we, as Christians, live up to our part of being peacemakers with people who don’t want to make peace with us?

We can avoid those people, but that is not always possible.  When the holidays roll around, and you have to sit next to Aunt Martha for Thanksgiving dinner, how do you get through the meal?  

When you cannot avoid the person, avoid the hot topics.  Aunt Martha may not agree with you on politics, and she may have different opinions on the end times, but she loves God and gardening.  Those are two topics that you can agree on.  You could easily argue with Aunt Martha all day, but that is not what God wants.  He wants you to be a peacemaker.  Build your relationship on the things that bring peace. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.  Matthew 5:9 NKJV

When we are peacemakers, we are exhibiting characteristics of our heavenly Father.  Has anyone ever told you that you remind them of your mother or father?  That holds true when we are peacemakers.  People will see Christ in us. 

Think of someone with whom you need to make peace.  Go to them this week and as much as possible, make peace.

Making peace is only possible through God.  The first step in peacemaking is prayer.  Only then can we begin to build a peaceable relationship. 

Are there two people that you know who are not at peace with one another? 

Ask God to help you build a bridge between them.  

Sadly, sometimes we have to accept that peace is not possible with certain people.

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be a peacemaker.  Help me have a peaceful relationship with those whom I am struggling with.  Also, help me to build bridges between others who are not at peace with each other.  Equip me for this task because I cannot do it without You.  May You receive all the glory for this.  Thank You Jesus! Amen. 

Exchange fear for faith, worry for worship, and panic for peace with Carolyn’s new book, Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feelings and Our Faith.