Follow peace with all men
Romans 13:18” If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
The Christian calling is to follow peace with all men. Because only the peace makers are the children of God (Matthew 5:9). And if you want to spend eternity with the Prince of Peace at last, you must live peaceably with all men.
That’s why the Lord Jesus Christ said that we resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy cheek, turn to him the other also. This is a proverbial expression to signify an invasion of the most tender points of honour. That is, yield to his repeating the affront or injury, than gratify resentment in righting your self, in any method not becoming Christian love.
This itself is difficult and almost impossible without the grace of God. The LORD knows some people are going to injure you. Some are going to say things that will give you turbulent times, but in all these he still commands, “follow peace with all men.”
The sanctified believer is not expected to be keeping malice, having hatred, getting angry unnecessarily, and doing things that do not call for nor promote peace.
The heart where the peace of God rules, and dominates will never recompense evil for evil. Christ lived a peaceful life, and he has called us to follow his footsteps, that is, after the things which make for peace.
Remember Isaac, when Abimelech sent him away, he departed and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dug wells of water. But the herdsmen of Gerar strove with him. He moved from thence, and dug another, and they strove for that also. He moved from thence, and dug another, till they strove not.
Look at a man of peace. Rather than affront their assault, he followed peace with them. Remember he was the promised seed to Abraham of whom all the families of the earth shall be blessed, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. But this man, didn’t use that as a ground to stand and contest with them, but he followed after peace.
If at that time of the old convenant, men and women of old followed peace by the grace of God in them, now that we are on the side of Calvary’s abundant grace, should we not strive to follow peace with all men?
What are we doing with hatred in our hearts? Why are we nursing anger and enmity within us? You want to have your revenge, why?Don’t fight with anybody, don’t quarrel with anyone, keep the peace of God in your heart, and be not disobedient to the heavenly vision. That picture the LORD has painted for you on the canvas, you’ll get there. Be at peace among yourselves and ensue peace with all men.
Also Read: My people are not preparing
Reagan Azoyenime is a born again Christian and an undergraduate student of Ambrose Ali University, Nigeria. He writes edifying Christian messages centred on salvation in Christ and holiness.
E-mail: razoyenime@gmail.com
