If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18
When Jesus finished His work on earth, He went to be with the Father. The eternal purpose of God is now being worked out through the Church empowered by the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 3:10-11). As children of God, we are the salt and light of the world (see Matthew 5:13-16). We have no light in and of ourselves, but we have the life of Christ within us (see John 1:4). Light does not produce life; rather, the eternal life of God produces light.
Our purpose is to glorify God in our bodies. The glory of God is a manifestation of His presence. Therefore, we glorify God when we manifest, or make known, to others the life of Christ within us. Bringing light into a dark world is what makes life meaningful. It doesn’t matter what size our light is, because there is not enough darkness in the world to put out the light of one small candle. The truth spoken in love always shines through the darkness.
It has been said that you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. That may be true, but you can create a powerful thirst by putting salt in their oats. Salt enhances the flavor of life. When unbelievers see the children of God living a liberated life in Christ, they can’t help but want what they have. Salt also acts as a preservative against the evil forces that would seek to corrupt us. Therefore, “Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:50). Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Any mortal can divide a fellowship, but it takes the grace of God to bring reconciliation to Himself and establish unity among His people.
Paul says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). However, it may not always be possible. If another person refuses to be reconciled, there is little we can humanly do other than to petition God. Regardless of how others respond, we must assume our responsibility to be peacemakers and continue carrying on the ministry of reconciliation. Our responsibility is to be a witness; God’s responsibility is to save them. We cannot assume responsibility for the lives of others, but we must assume responsibility for our own attitudes and actions. We cannot make others what we want them to be, and they cannot keep us from being the people God created us to be.
For reconciliation to occur, the enmity that exists between two people must be removed. Our reconciliation with God is now possible because the enmity that existed between Him and us was removed when Christ sacrificed His life for our sins. “The death he died, he died to sin once for all” (Romans 6:10). It can be argued that God has forgiven the sins of all people who have ever lived, but not all are reconciled to Him. That is why the Church has been given the ministry of reconciliation.
To establish and maintain a peaceful coexistence with each other, we have to repent, seek the forgiveness of those whom we have offended, and forgive those who have offended us. What we have freely received from God, we freely extend to others.
a few questions to ponder:
As children of God, how do we serve as the salt and light of the world?
How do we glorify God in our bodies?
Reconciliation with others is not always possible. What do we do in instances where the other person refuses to restore the relationship?
If you want to be like Jesus, why should you be the one to take the initiative to seek reconciliation instead of waiting for the other person?
What enmities currently exist between you and another person?
Neil T. Anderson is the founder of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He began the ministry in 1989 and continues to spread the message of freedom to this day.
