Anger, anxiety, dread, hate, and fear are infecting our society. Over the past five years, the emotional instability of society has become increasingly palpable. Controversies and stressors bombard us through news media, social media, and everyday conversations. There are cost of living increases, war and violence both domestic and abroad, crime and drugs on our streets, alarming political and social tensions, and mental illness, just to name a few concerns. No matter where you stand on these issues, the anxiety and dread they cause fill the air like unavoidable smog. We breathe it in. It infiltrates the fabric of daily life, disrupting the peace and well-being of our homes, families, relationships, and communities. A deep sense of helplessness has become common.
However, every Christian can do something about it! Rather than looking to political or community leaders to make everything okay, every Christian has incredible, often untapped power to directly and beneficially impact the lives of those near them.
Romans 12:18 (NIV) provides a directive to Christians to foster peace, even in chaos: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This is part of a larger passage which instructs Christians how to live alongside people they agree with—and even those with which they disagree. And in the next verse (19), before we even have time to plead our case and argue with God’s Word, Paul reminds us: “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” The command to live peacefully with others is not commanding Christians to be apathetic or to be pacifists. Earnestly seeking God’s will does sometimes require Christians to enter disputes and even fights, but even when peace is impossible, we are to conduct ourselves in ways that glorify God.
Earnestly seeking God’s will does sometimes require Christians to enter disputes and even fights, but even when peace is impossible, we are to conduct ourselves in ways that glorify God.
In all circumstances, you are to advance the kingdom of God. You carry this out most spectacularly when you display peace and exude confidence that He is on the throne—“leave room for God.” It is so difficult not to have the last word in a debate, isn’t it? Pride gushes forth in “friendly” discussions and faceless social media comments, as individuals desperately try to prove superior intellect, political savvy, and untarnished morality. You are called to be actively engaged in this world using your intellect, voice, time, talents, and treasure to glorify God. Therefore, in your efforts to defend the cause of Christ, be sure that you are doing so in ways that honor Him. I’m reminded of the Blaise Pascal quote about how Christians should represent the faith. Usually only the first sentence is quoted, but I believe the following words have much to say to us today: “Make religion attractive, make good men wish it were true, and then show that it is. Worthy of reverence because it really understands human nature. Attractive because it promises true good.”
Here are some practical ways to live at peace with others “as far as it depends on you.”
Think of it this way. God would not need to tell you to live at peace with people if it were easy. He understands the challenge, and He also equips you for it. Therefore, in the words of Philippians 4:5, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Even in these trying times, God is near and calls His people to Himself, to represent Him in this world, and to enjoy Him forever.
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