God’s word tells us to live in peace with all men (Romans 12:18). To set an example for unbelievers that in the day He visits them, tugs at their hearts they may hear (1 Peter 2:12). Are we doing these things today? What does living in peace with others look like? Abraham lived among a pagan people yet those pagan people called Abraham, “A great prince among them” (Genesis 23:6). When they dug wells and others in the land argued with them and claimed them they let them have them and dug another, and another; until they did not quarrel over it and Isaac said: “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land” (Genesis 26:19-23). It seems maybe Isaac helped them by digging some wells for them as well. Isaac did not demand their rights to the wells they dug but lived in peace as best they could. When Israel and Judah were punished and went into captivity the Lord sent word to them to dwell, work and pray for the land they were exiled to and grow (Jeremiah 29:4-7). Joseph and Daniel are two of my favorites because they did their best for their captors and it is written “the Lord was with him” (Genesis 37-50 and the book of Daniel). Even Nebuchadnezzar lifted up his eyes to heaven and confessed God is God (Daniel 4:34).
How do we live in peace among all peoples?
1 Peter 2:12-17 Having your conduct honorable among the gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works, which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to the governors, as to those who are sent by him for punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, as free, yet not using liberty (freedom) as a cloak for vice, but as bond servants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
We do not fight God’s battles but God fights our battles. The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20).
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Philippians 4:5-8 Let your gentleness be made known to all men. The Lord, is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Lord, thank You for Your word. You will complete the good work You have begun in us. In Jesus name create in us a pure heart. Amen
