10-07-2025 PART 3: Living at Peace in a Broken World
Section 1
Romans 12:18–19 continues Paul’s teaching with a vital command: “Do your part to live at peace with everyone, as much as possible.” That phrase—“as much as possible”—is key. It acknowledges reality: peace is not always attainable, but pursuit of peace is always required. True Christlike peace is not blind tolerance or approval of sin; Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery yet told her to “sin no more.” The believer’s calling is to seek harmony where it can be built, without compromising righteousness. Some people will resist that peace, especially those hostile to faith itself. Even within families, division can arise between those who love Christ and those who reject Him. The goal is not forced agreement but faithful witness, seasoned with grace.
Section 2
When peace seems impossible, Scripture offers both balance and boundary. Christians must love and pray for even those who oppose them, but that doesn’t mean subjecting themselves to harm or unhealthy relationships. Jesus Himself “did not commit Himself to men, for He knew what was in man.” There are moments to step back while still interceding for others’ hearts to change. Real love prays without compromising truth. God asks us to maintain purity of spirit, refusing to let bitterness take root. If someone’s hostility toward Christ breeds tension, the believer’s task remains clear: walk uprightly, avoid retaliation, and stay centered on the Lord. Peace may not always be mutual, but obedience to God’s Word is always within reach.
Section 3
Paul then links peace with vengeance, saying, “Never avenge yourselves; leave that to God.” Human justice is flawed by sin, but divine justice is perfect. God alone sees motives, timing, and fairness. Our responsibility is to release the offense, not nurture it. Holding onto pain breeds bitterness, and bitterness spreads like roots infecting everything around it. Instead, believers should follow David’s prayer in Psalm 51:10—“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” The Lord renews those who surrender hurt into His hands. Romans 12 is practical Christianity in motion: live honorably, seek peace where possible, trust God with justice, and refuse revenge. It’s not passivity—it’s power under control, the peace of heaven lived out in a restless world.
