AS FAR AS YOU ARE ABLE

I am working my way through Romans and this week I found this jewel –

Romans 12:16-19 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.^[a] Never be wise in your own sight. ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

I love that the Lord included the caveat – so far as it depends on you! Gurls, I admit that sometimes when I watch the news, I get discouraged. It feels like the whole world is about to come unglued, and there’s not a thing I can do to stop it. But the Lord doesn’t require me to figure out world peace, He just asks that so far as it depends on ME, live peaceably. You know what? I can do that.

I can choose PEACE when someone at work stirs trouble.

I can choose PEACE when a family member is at odds with me.

I can choose PEACE in my house, my neighborhood, my work, with my friends, and in my church.

How? How do we find peace in the midst of turmoil?

I may not always succeed, but I am at my most peaceful when I spend time with the Prince of Peace. Time spent with the Prince of Peace = more peace to give the people in my life.

I hope you have a week of living, as far as YOU are able, at peace with everyone.