If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
Just a week ago, we were still wishing one another, “Happy New Year”. With the events that are happening in our nation, things can feel far from happy. It felt surreal to see the events that took place last week. I wonder where has respect for one another gone? Where has respect for our nation’s capital and the leaders of our country gone? Where has obedience to the laws of the land gone? I don’t have the answers to these questions. But I do know and trust a powerful and loving God that is in control, even when bad things happen. I am to keep my eyes fixed on Christ and the truth of His word. My responsibility is to be found walking in obedience to Him and His written word.
Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Hmmm. This sounds easy but is so difficult when we don’t necessarily agree with what is taking place, or with what people are saying or posting. Everyone has an opinion. But not every opinion needs to be verbalized or expressed. Period. Sometimes keeping peace with one another is as easy as keeping our mouths shut. It doesn’t mean we agree with what is taking place. It doesn’t mean that wrong hasn’t taken place. It doesn’t mean we don’t have thoughts about what is taking place or being said. We simply believe that God’s word is true and is written for us to live out and do. Therefore, in striving to live at peace with my neighbor, I say nothing sometimes. Especially if what I have to say provokes others to anger or stirs up dissension.
God loves all people. God loves the good people. God loves the bad people. God loves the vocal people. God loves the quiet people. God loves people of all cultures, races and genders. And guess what? He expects us to do the same. In John 13:34 Jesus states, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” As believers, we have the Holy Spirit of God living within us. This Holy Spirit allows us to love ALL people as God Himself does. Not because they are right or wrong. Not because they think, act or look like us. But because Jesus said, love people as I have.
Please remember that as your family processes the events taking place in our nation, your children are listening and watching. Think before you speak or post. Pause and ask God to let your words and posts be seasoned with love and grace. Pause and ask God to help you keep your mouth shut, when it is unkind, harsh or unloving, or when it might provoke others to anger or stir up dissension. He also gives us self-control. Model for your children what living life as a Christian looks like. We pray for our leaders. We pray for our fellow Americans. We pray for our government leaders. We pray for one another. Then we do the next right thing.
Resources
For a complete Bible story worship experience with your child, please go to ministrygrid.lifeway.com and create or log in to your free account. Then follow this link for this week’s lesson: Stephen Preached.