Living Peaceably

Living peaceably means allowing God to work even when your flesh is screaming for justice.

A sad news story from Wales years ago told of a feud in a church looking for a new pastor. It read: “Yesterday the two opposing groups both sent ministers to the pulpit. Both spoke simultaneously, each trying to shout above the other. Both called for hymns, and the congregation sang two—each side trying to drown out the other. Then the groups began shouting at each other. Bibles were raised in anger. The Sunday morning service turned into a bedlam. Through it all, the two preachers continued trying to out shout each other with their sermons. Eventually a deacon called a policeman. Two came in and began shouting for the congregation to be quiet. They advised the forty persons in the church to return home. The rivals filed out, still arguing. Last night one of the groups called a let's-be-friends’ meeting. It broke up in argument.”

I wonder what the local town people thought when they read that story in the daily newspaper. The local church, which was supposed to promote love and peace, was fighting and their service had to be broken up by the police. What a poor testimony to their community!

Living peaceably with others is not just a suggestion in Scriptures but a command. God writes, “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romance 12:17–18). God desires that in every situation, every relationship, we should avoid strife and live at peace with others.

Remember Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Christ knows what it is like to be ridiculed, mocked, and antagonized. Yet, He still commands us to live peaceably with others.

The key in living peaceably is knowing that God is in control. He sees what is happening in your life and knows the injustices you face. Even then, He desires that we refuse to exact revenge and allow Him to have control. Living peaceably means allowing God to work even when your flesh is screaming for justice.

Are you living peaceably with those around you? Yes, you will experience injustices and everything in you will want to lash out or seek revenge, but trust that God is in control. The next time someone treats you unfairly and you want to lash back at them, stop and pray for patience, then allow God to have control of the situation. When you realize God is in control, you no longer need to even the score with those around you.

Source: Daily in the Word, February 16, 2009