Text: Romans 12:17-21, 14:17-19
As soon as a person confesses his
or her sins, repents of them and accepts Jesus as his or her Lord and Saviour,
he or she becomes a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17) and is empowered by grace
in the Holy Spirit to live a new life of peace with everyone.
Such a regenerated person finds
it difficult to retaliate when offended and in as much as it lies in his or her
power, he/she lives peaceably with all men. In words and deeds, he/she tries
not to offend anyone and is quick to apologize in meekness when someone is
wronged.
The Bible enjoins us as
Christians to “follow peace with all men, and holiness without which no man
shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). There are many reasons why we need to
pursue peace in all our dealings: One, God commands that we live peaceably with
all men. Two, it is not good to avenge ourselves as that right solely belongs
to God. Rather, we are to promote peace at all times, giving place unto wrath (Romans
12:19).
A third reason is: to live
peaceably with our neighbours is to enjoy peace of mind as well. By
entertaining no injurious thoughts in our minds towards others helps us to stay
healthy most of the time. Whereas, friction, quarrels and bitterness generate
high blood pressure and hypertension which in turn impedes the health.
Moreover, in a world wrecked by hostility,
hardheartedness and rancor, we shine as light to other people around (Matthew
5:16) when we follow peace with all men despite provocations to do the
contrary. Thus, we become a source of encouragement and inspiration to others
who find it challenging to live peaceably with their neighbours.
We make a ridicule of Christ, of
our Christian profession and faith, and become a hindrance to others who would
want to come to the Lord when we do not maintain a peaceable and cordial
relationship with our neighbours.
The world is polluted as it is
and as such, is in dire need of a different breed of individuals, men and women
of clemency and modesty who would live for righteousness, love and holiness in
obedience to the commandments of God.
As Christians, the truest
evidence of our faith in Christ is in the lives we live both within and without
the church. We are the living Bible the world sees and should our daily lives
at home, at work, in the street and everywhere contradict the person, nature
and character of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, then are we unfaithful
servants and false in our devotion.
Beloved, look around you; people
are hurting everywhere, people are dying every day; conflicts and wars thrive
and the hearts of men brew daily with rage. But who has the unfettered will,
might and power to make things right, mend broken hearts and salvage depressed
souls?
This one thing I know that there
is no other person under heaven given among men than can truly save and deliver
from all shackles of sin and sorrow other than Jesus, the only begotten Son of
God. But He will only do this through you and me by living peaceably with
everyone today and every day.
So let’s walk the talk we preach
and profess; shining our godly lights before men that they may see our good
works born of faith and love, and glorify our Father which is in heaven.
*** Written by Jacobs Adewale (Admin) ***
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