LIVING PEACEABLY

Read: Romans 12:14-21

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

A man who had been having problems with an
unreasonable neighbor final had to defend himself
legally against unwarranted and dishonest actions. He
commented, “I have tried to follow Romans 12:18, but in
a case like this I thank the Lord for the `escape
clause’ He put in this text. It does not say that we
have to live peaceably with all men under every
circumstance – for even the Lord recognizes that with
some people this is not possible.”

Unfortunately, too many people do not do all that is
possible to live peaceably. This reminds me of a story
about a boy who asked his dad, “How do wars begin?” The
father replied, “Well, World War I began because Germany
invaded Belgium.” At this point his wife interrupted,
“Tell the boy the truth. It began because somebody was
murdered.” The husband quickly retorted, “Are you
answering the question or am I?” The wife stormed out
of the room and slammed the door as hard as she could.
When the room stopped vibrating, an uneasy silence
followed. The son then said, “Daddy, you don’t need to
tell me how wars begin, Now I know!”

Are you quick to retaliate, or have you cultivated a
peaceable spirit? Jesus prayed for His enemies. Do
you? Today, do all you possibly can to live peaceably.
-Henry G. Bosch

When anger lingers in our heart,
It poisons all we think and do;
But faith seeks ways to show God’s love
And keeps our spirit strong and true. -DJD

GETTING EVEN TAKES YOU DOWN
TO THE LEVEL OF YOUR OFFENDER.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.