Hebrews 12:14
Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see The Lord.
We are to pursue peace with everyone. It doesn’t say with only christians, but everyone. This doesn’t mean that we have to be close friends with all. That isn’t humanly possible. Some people that are on the outermost sphere of my influence would be some of my neighbors and coworkers. I seen them about once a week. There is barely a rapport. At most, it’s a greeting. But this is better than ignoring them. If there is a problem, we should attempt to mend it. This doesn’t mean they will accept our efforts. Romans 12:18 is a similar passage. However, it contains the phrase, “if at all possible”. It may not be possible. However, we are still to try. We should make it clear that the olive branch is out there. We shouldn’t worry about it. The ball is in their court.
Last week, 12:11 was the focus. That passage referred to trials yielding the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Righteousness is to be in right relationship with…Today’s passage is saying something similar. Some relationships will sadden us. Relationships are unpredictable and messy. God wants us to stay in there. If people cause us grief, then they are probably causing grief for many. When we are civil and open, we show them how relationships ought to be. They can grow in their relationships skills, even if we don’t see it. This would be a blessing to the others that they interact with. Particularly their family. This is a godly witness.
The beatitudes in Matt 5 tell us “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God”. This is an attribute of being a child of God. Most families have some common traits, either good or bad. If we are born again, we are to be peacemakers. Just like a boat leaves a wake. Waves from that boat can be felt for miles. Some may feel the effects, but never saw the boat. As God works through us, the results touch many that we will never know.
Lord, give us strength and wisdom to deal with those in our lives. Help us to be peacemakers.