As Far as it Depends on You, Live at Peace with One Another

Intro:

Matthew 5:21–26 CSB

21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

Point #1: Be Reconciled to Your Brother and Sister; Be Reconciled to You Adversary.

Romans 12:9–18 CSB

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. 10 Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. 11 Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. 13 Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Point #2: As Far as it Depends on You, Live at Peace with Everyone!

How do we do this?

Love without hypocrisy...

Detest evil

Cling to what is good

Love each other deeply, as brothers and sisters

Take the lead in honoring one another

Be diligent to be zealous

Be fervent in the Spirit

Serve the Lord

Rejoice in hope

Be patient in infliction

Be persistent in prayer

Share with those in need

Pursue hospitality

Bless those who curse you

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep

Live in harmony with one another

Do not be proud;

instead, associate with the humble.

Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.

If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:19–21 CSB

19 Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. 20 But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head. 21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

Point #3: Let Us Live Above Reproach with One Another!

Simply put, let us live in such a manner that no one can charge us with wrong doing!

1 Timothy 3:2–3 CSB

An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy.

If this is a standard with mature Christian leadership, it should be the goal of all Christians to attain!

Matthew 5:16 CSB

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Galatians 5:14–15 CSB

For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

Point #4: Satan Desires That the People of the Church Would Destroy One Another, God Desires That We Would Love One Another, Live at Peace with One Another and Serve One Another!