In Romans 12, there is a statement, a great principle that we should live by. As Christians within families, organizations, communities, society, and the world, we should adhere to this precept.
Romans 12:18 says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceable with all men.” KJV
Does the clause, if it’s possible, suggest that peace may not always be possible?
Yes, we know there are still some Hatfields and McCoys around.
Yes, there are countries that have been warring for eons.
To think that it is impossible to live in peace with some people is disheartening, especially for a Christian. Despite differences in personality, race, culture, economics, education, and other factors, why can’t we live and let live?
We’ve heard the saying, “Love conquers all.”
We have used this phrase for generations, and it will be used for generations to come because it’s true.
Some may ask if this phrase is in the Bible. Others may think that the phrase is in the Bible.
God, who is love, conquers all, and his Holy Spirit within us makes peace possible.
Love conquers all is not in the Bible as written, but there’s no reason to fret. The Bible’s foundational precepts support these three words throughout the Word of God.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 captures the principle that love conquers all.
Love is what love does.
First Corinthians 13:4-6 describes charity or love at work. Love is kind and suffers long. Love is not boastful of itself and its achievements. Love esteems and considers others before itself and is not easily provoked. Evil thoughts are not of love, and love hates iniquity. Love also rejoices in truth.
Verse 7 states love “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” KJV
We strive to live peaceably with those of different opinions, races, political persuasions, religious beliefs, values, and other differences. Making every effort to avoid quarrels and personal conflicts helps preserve peace.
Only Godly wisdom and love can help preserve peace between humankind. To preserve peace is to labor in truth and impartiality.
The verse states, “As much as lieth in you, live peaceably,” which considers the reason or profit gained for any contention or strife.
If there is no godly profit or outcome, why be contentious?
The prophet Jeremiah thought himself a man of strife and contention because of what was within him to declare God’s Word to the people. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he labored intemperately to declare the people’s sins and wickedness.
His disappointment in the results of his labor and the people’s lack of repentance made him sorrowful. Their hardness of heart made him labor the more, and he was deemed contentious and their enemy.
Although he was charged by God, the people accused him of strife and of not being a man of peace. Because of the nature of his calling to convict the wicked, he was falsely labeled.
The people were not Jeremiah’s enemies, but they were the enemies of truth and godliness.
After all is said about truth, and if possible, before physical strife and contentions, we can all agree to disagree to maintain peace.
I hope that you are happy and well.