Romans 12:18 (KJV)
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
History has proven that, unfortunately, it's not always possible to live peaceably with all men. It’s a reality borne out in human history, both in the secular and the spiritual world. One incident blends the two worlds together: the account of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Bonhoeffer would have preferred to have been a simple pastor. Raised in a highly educated family, his path was headed toward success, influence, and impact. Who would have known that circumstances would catapult that impact to a magnitude far beyond even Bonhoeffer’s capacity?
He began his ministry just as Hitler and his Third Reich began to blossom. Bonhoeffer came to the United States and could have served here in relative safety. Instead, he chose to return to Germany where he believed he could help his national kinsmen.
At first, Bonhoeffer’s work focused on preaching, teaching, writing, and ministering to others. He fell in love, got engaged, and served his Lord as best he knew how in a terrible time and place. Eventually, his convictions got in the way of living peaceably with all men. He became convinced Hitler must be stopped and that he had to play some part in stopping him. He was caught, placed in prison, and hanged — not long before Germany surrendered and Hitler killed himself.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Sometimes it is not possible. But Romans 12 gives us several insights into how to make this command a personal reality.
Among the many passages that could give instruction on this subject, we find:
A call to humility
Romans 12:3 (KJV)
For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Thinking too highly of self is a sure course to conflict. Whoever places themselves in the path of others is sure to get run over — hit at the very least. Humility is not weakness. No one is instructed to be walked over. But there is a difference between being confident and strong, and getting in the way of others.
A call to affection
Romans 12:10 (KJV)
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Some people are simply mean-spirited and hateful. I find it to be common in the world of social media. In that arena, they’re generally called trolls. They contribute very little, if anything, but they criticize and condemn often.
A call to condescension
Romans 12:16 (KJV)
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
The idea is to be content with necessary things. The desire to gain and have more than is necessary has always been a motive for conflict.
It’s not always possible to live peaceably with all men. There are times we simply must stand, and in standing, we become a target. But the teaching of the Bible and the character of our Lord Jesus Christ should be enough to lead us to resist the devil — mostly by drawing nigh to God.
#LivePeaceably #StandForTruth #ResistTheDevil #FaithfulStand #BiblicalPerspective #CourageInChrist
Live Peaceably — But Stand When You Must: The Call to Peace, Humility, and Courage
Are you struggling to live peaceably with those around you?
The Bible gives real answers for real conflicts. Start today by showing brotherly love to someone you might normally avoid. Send a kind message, lend a helping hand, or speak a word of encouragement — take action to live out Romans 12 in your life!
➡️ Question for you:
What is one way you can actively show humility, affection, or condescension (serving the lowly) this week? Share your answer in the comments!
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