If Possible, Live at Peace with All People

Some people like to fight. No matter what we do, they won’t live at peace with us. They hate our convictions. They are alienated by our love for God. They hate our gospel and our devotion to Jesus Christ. We find ourselves feeling like the psalmist when he cried out, “I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war” (Psalm 120:7). For this reason the Lord qualifies his command: “if it is possible … live peaceably with all men.”

But even when others do nothing—even if they are antagonistic— we  must do our part. We must speak kindly to all people. We must love our enemies. When people wrong us, we must patiently overlook  faults and forgive offenses. We must be patient. Without compromising our faith in Christ, we should avoid offending people or dishonoring their customs. Even when our doctrine and morality offend the culture, we must aim to be amiable. In every relationship we must strive to be friendly. If possible, as much as it depends on us, we must strive to live at peace with all people.