4 minute read
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 NIV)
Peaceful living takes work.
Applying God’s principles to our relationships is how we achieve harmony with others. God begins by searching our hearts for iniquities. When He reveals to us areas where we have wronged someone, he expects us to admit it. Humbling ourselves restores relationships; admitting faults paves the way for restoration. We can’t control other people’s reactions, but we can control ours. Allowing people to live their lives the way they choose, accepting them for who they are, paves the way for peace.
All we can do is what we can do.
When facing a challenging situation, do what you know to do. If you’ve wronged someone, apologize. Pay your debts. Love your enemies. Forgive those who offend you. Take responsibility for your actions because that is all you can honestly do. We can’t force people to respond the way we want them too. What we can do is apply the golden rule to all situations:
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 ESV)
Treating others like you want treated causes growth. When someone isn’t reciprocating your kindness, ask yourself why? Instead of looking at the situation from your side, try to look at it from theirs. What actions have you done which might not promote peace? Was your tone offensive? Were your motivations indeed what was best for the person? Maybe your body language spoke more than your words?
People reflect what they see in you.
For example, if you walk into an elevator and look up, everyone else looks up. When someone starts to yawn, others begin yawning. If you’re at a performance and one person starts clapping, everyone starts clapping. We feed off of what other people do. People respond to us by how we treat them.
Not everything is your fault. Some people have personal issues that steal the ability for them to receive love. In those situations, pray for God to heal their hearts to receive the love He has for them. Look for opportunities to plant seeds of love in their lives, pray God causes them to grow.
Each of us has a limited amount of days on earth. None of us knows the extent of the time allotted. Living at peace with others is a daily pursuit because today is all we have. Each day, strive to live in harmony with those God places in your life.
Peace comes through Jesus. Seek Him today. He’ll show you how to have peace.
Question of the Day:
Who do you need to talk to Jesus about today?
Further Reading: Ezekiel 31:1-32:32 NIV, Hebrews 12:14-29 NIV, Psalm 113-114:8 NIV,
