Living peaceably with all people is a central teaching in the Bible. Romans 12:18 says “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” This verse comes in the context of Romans 12, which calls believers to live transformed lives and think rightly about themselves and others. So what does it mean to live peaceably with all people according to the Bible?
First, living peaceably means actively pursuing peace and harmony with others. This goes beyond just avoiding conflict to taking initiative to promote good relationships. As Romans 12:18 says, we should do everything we can on our end to cultivate peace. This could involve apologizing for offenses, forgiving wrongs, being thoughtful of others’ perspectives, or looking for compromise solutions. True peace requires effort and sacrifice from both parties.
Second, living peaceably recognizes that perfect peace is not always possible. The verse acknowledges that peace might not be achievable if others are unwilling. But we are still called to do our part, regardless of others’ responses. Peace requires dependence on God when other people are difficult to get along with. Praying for those who mistreat us and showing grace are key for maintaining peace (Matthew 5:44).
Third, living peaceably means treating all people equally. There are no exceptions in Scripture for groups we do not need to be at peace with. We must strive for harmony among family, friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies. Discrimination has no place in Christian conduct. As Christ came to bring peace between all humanity and God, we too should be peacemakers in a divided world (Ephesians 2:14-18).
Fourth, living peaceably extends beyond just avoiding hostility. It includes active love and service to others. Romans 12:10 says to “outdo one another in showing honor” in the church. Being at peace means humbly considering others’ needs before our own. Seeking their good over selfish ambition cultivates community. A peaceful spirit exhibits the gentleness, patience and kindness of Christ (Philippians 2:1-4).
Fifth, living peaceably ultimately requires divine help. On our own strength, perfect peace with all people is impossible. We need God’s wisdom, discernment, and guidance to know how to relate rightly with difficult people. The Holy Spirit produces peace, patience, kindness and self-control in believers as the fruit of His work in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). So we must rely on His power to grow in being peacemakers.
In summary, living peaceably with all according to Romans 12:18 means actively pursuing harmony in relationships, going beyond our comfort zones to reconcile, accepting imperfect peace at times, treating all people equally, demonstrating Christ-like humility and love, and depending on the Holy Spirit’s work. This call goes against our natural human tendencies toward selfishness, judgment and conflict. But God enables us to live out this challenging biblical principle for the sake of harmony in families, churches and communities.
Practical Ways to Live Peaceably
Putting the biblical principle of living peaceably with all into practice can be difficult. Here are some practical ways believers can actively pursue peace in relationships and situations based on Romans 12:18:
- Let go of your need to be right – Focus on understanding others instead of making your point.
- Give people the benefit of the doubt – Avoid judging motives when offenses come.
- Adjust your expectations of others – Have grace for people’s flaws and weaknesses.
- Apologize quickly when needed – Own up to your part in a conflict.
- Forgive unconditionally – Let go of bitterness and desire for revenge.
- Watch your words – Speak carefully, gently and respectfully.
- Consider the greater good – Yield personal rights for the sake of harmony.
- Offer to help – Volunteer your time and resources to serve others.
- Speak positively – Uplift people instead of criticizing.
- Stay open-minded – Listen well to perspectives other than your own.
Living out these practices daily helps create an environment where peace can flourish, even when surrounded by hostility and disagreement. It reflects the humility and love of Christ in tangible ways. Our lives speak volumes when we choose gentle, thoughtful speech and gracious behavior toward all people. Peacemaking starts with each of us.
Hindrances to Living Peaceably
While God desires believers to live at peace with all people, there are many hindrances that can disrupt this harmony. Here are some key obstacles that interfere with living out Romans 12:18:
- Pride – An unwillingness to admit wrongs or make apologies because of ego.
- Selfishness – Pursuing your own desires over others’ needs and concerns.
- Judgment – A critical spirit that looks down on those who are different.
- Anger – Allowing temper to flare up and say hurtful things.
- Resentment – Holding on to grudges and refusing to forgive.
- Prejudice – Discriminating against people due to their ethnicity, background, etc.
- Envy – Resenting those who succeed instead of celebrating with them.
- Impatience – An unwillingness to gently bear with people’s weaknesses.
- Self-sufficiency – Attempting to live peaceably without God’s power and grace.
These attitudes and actions disrupt harmony in relationships and hinder growth in Christlikeness. We must turn from them through repentance and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. As Scripture says, “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable…” (James 3:17). God’s strength enables us to overcome obstacles as we seek purity of heart.
The Role of the Gospel in Peacemaking
At the core of living peaceably with all people is recognizing the power of the gospel to transform relationships. God has reconciled believers to Himself through Christ and calls us to be ministers of reconciliation in the world (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). How does the gospel impact peacemaking?
- It reminds us of God’s deep forgiveness toward us which motivates us to forgive others (Ephesians 4:32).
- It breaks down barriers and unites all believers into one family, dissolving prejudice (Galatians 3:28).
- It gives us a new identity in Christ that is not dependent on the approval of others.
- It empowers us to love those who harm us by the example of Christ’s love and sacrifice (1 John 4:19).
- It instills humility to consider others above ourselves as we remember Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:1-4).
The more we grow in gospel grace, the more we will overflow with grace and peacemaking toward everyone around us. It transforms our motives, attitudes and conduct to align with Christ. Only the gospel can produce true heart-change for peace.
Peacemaking in the Church
Peace within the church community is especially important, as disciples of Jesus seek to live out the biblical vision of unity. Division and conflict among Christians seriously undermine our witness (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 3:3-4). How should Romans 12:18 guide pursuing peace in the church?
- Church leaders should model humility, openness and gentle speech.
- Minor doctrinal differences should not disrupt the bond of peace among believers.
- Offending parties should seek forgiveness and make amends for harmony’s sake.
- Patience should be exercised with those who are difficult to get along with.
- Gossip should be avoided and only words that build up spoken (Ephesians 4:29).
- Disagreements should be worked through in a spirit of love and respect.
The watching world will know we are Christians by our love for one another, across all differences and conflicts (John 13:34-35). Unity in our relationships gives credibility to our message. As far as it depends on us, Christians must pursue peace in the body of Christ.
The Sacrifice of Peacemaking
Truly living at peace with all people will require sacrifice on our part. Peacemaking is costly because it goes against human nature. Here are some of the sacrifices it may entail:
- Sacrifice of pride – Being quick to confess faults and ask forgiveness.
- Sacrifice of selfishness – Giving preference to others’ needs and desires.
- Sacrifice of comfort – Entering difficult conversations to clear offenses.
- Sacrifice of rights – Yielding even when you are right for the greater good.
- Sacrifice of time – Investing the time needed to listen and understand others.
- Sacrifice of independence – Relying on God’s strength instead of your own.
Just as Christ made great sacrifices to reconcile us to God, we must make sacrifices to pursue reconciliation with others. It is costly and challenging, but brings tremendous blessing and reward. Our sacrifices result in communities, churches and families where peace thrives.
The Blessing of Living Peaceably
While peacemaking requires sacrifice, the blessings it brings are worth the cost. Some of the fruits of living peaceably according to Romans 12:18 include:
- The peace of God ruling in our hearts (Colossians 3:15)
- Freedom from toxic environments of bitterness and rage
- Healthy churches marked by love and unity (John 13:35)
- Strong witness to the power of the gospel (John 17:20-23)
- Harmonious communities where people are valued
- Deepened relationships and friendships
- Joy that comes from obedience to Christ
Beyond the benefits we receive, peacemaking results in glory to God. It demonstrates the love of Christ in real and practical ways. The more we live out Romans 12:18, the more the Kingdom of God advances through our lives.
Applying Romans 12:18 By The Power of Christ
While living peaceably with all people is challenging, God gives believers the strength to apply Romans 12:18. Here are some final principles for tapping into Christ’s power as a peacemaker:
- Digest Scripture’s teachings on peace to renew your mind (Philippians 4:8-9).
- Pray for those who mistreat you and release bitterness (Matthew 5:44).
- Walk in step with the Spirit who produces His fruit of peace (Galatians 5:22-25).
- Gain wisdom from godly mentors who model Christlike peacemaking.
- Confess pride and ask God to give you a humble, gentle spirit.
- Meditate on the gospel and Christ’s sacrifice as motivation to pursue peace.
- Do the hard work of entering tough conversations and clearing offenses.
- Trust God to change difficult hearts as you faithfully sow seeds of peace.
With the sanctifying power of Christ at work within us, we can live out our calling as sons and daughters of God. We can reflect Him as peacemakers and be agents of reconciliation wherever He has placed us. What joy overflows as we pursue peace in Jesus’ name!