PEACE: THE WAY OF DEALING WITH CONFLICT (Part 1)
Romans 12:17-19 “17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
Introduction:
Relationships can bring us great joy, but we all know, sometimes the relationships in our lives cause pain. Every relationship will face conflict at one time or another. Ultimately, the way we handle conflict says much about how we view our relationships with others and God. Conflict can destroy relationships and our sense of peace if we allow it.
Currently, Kenyans appear calm and we need to understand whether this calmness equals peace and whether the citizens still have hope that it shall be well, amidst all these tough economic times. The need to preach peace, hope, unity and cohesion remains the top agenda for all religious institutions, politicians and all in leadership space.
The desire for peace brings us to Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” The Bible repeatedly encourages believers to pursue peace, but in a sinful world, how is this possible? Just turning on the news makes it easy to see the world we live in is not always a peaceful place.
The writer, Paul, says we should live at peace “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you.” Paul recognizes in a sinful world there will be times when peace is not possible. However, as religious people, we must live peacefully and encourage peace to those around us. Furthermore, Jesus reminds us it is because of Him that we can have peace in a conflicted world. Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”
Reflections
Take time today to reflect on how we can live at peace with everyone – even when it seems impossible.
We Can’t Control Everything, but our choice to be Peaceful
Romans 12:18 recognizes that while we can’t control everything, we should do our best to seek peace. For instance, you can’t control someone else’s anger or vitriol, but you can control yourself. By controlling our words, our actions, and our conduct, we can encourage peace rather than discord. For example, as believers, we should purposely avoid provoking strife or fighting. When we are hurting, it can be tempting to stir up a crowd or react in the heat of the moment. Instead, we should choose to seek peace in disagreements.
Leave the Judgement and Vengeance to God
There will be times when someone hurts you, and your gut reaction will be to seek revenge. First, this goes against how the Bible tells us to respond. The verses before and after Romans 12:18 state:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord (Romans 12:17-19).”
It is not our job to take revenge. We must trust God to judge and avenge wrongs. When you are tempted to hurt someone because they hurt you, you should stop and hand your hurt over to God.6
Second, when we react with vengeance, it is the opposite of establishing peace. As hard as it may seem when you are hurting, it’s better to resist. In fact, Jesus tells us to do the opposite of how the world suggests we should respond to wrongdoing. He tells his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).
Aim to be Amiable
What should we do instead? Simply put, we should pursue peace with everyone and strive for holiness (Hebrews 12:24). Through following Christ’s example of holiness and peace, we will be shining examples of God’s love here on earth. Imagine how different the world would be if all people of religion made every effort to live in peace with everyone!
Additionally, when it comes to how we respond to conflict through peace, the Book of James gives us practical advice, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19).” Instead of reacting immediately, we would do well to take time to listen. Through listening, we make room for peace in the midst of conflict.
Forgive, and Forgive Again
We must model our faith by forgiving others as Christ forgave us (Ephesians 5:1-2). What better way to live in peace than to forgive others (Matthew 18:21-22)? Forgiveness not only demonstrates our understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for us, but it also prevents us from growing hostile or holding grudges. When you choose not to forgive, you harden your heart. And, it is hard to feel at peace when you are harbouring bitterness and hate. Instead, we should strive to live as Ephesians 4:31-32 commands.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. –Eph. 4:31-32.
God is the Lord of Peace and the Hope of Glory
Did Paul really mean we should live at peace with everyone? Yes! As much as possible as far as it depends on us. Fortunately, for believers, we can go to God in prayer and ask Him to help us. It is this very reason why people who are facing unimaginable hardships feel a sense of peace – peace in difficult situations can only be God-given.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
Reflection Questions for discussions and application
Name some critical things we can do to promote Peace?
Outline the benefits of Forgiveness to Humanity?
Discuss this Truth “God is the Lord of Peace and Hope of Glory.”
Prayer
Heavenly father of hope, peace and unity; remind us at all times that our actions towards others reflect our attitude toward your creation. We pray that each moment we interact with fellow human beings and environment; it is within your plan for us to do good and seek justice. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.7
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