If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
For many years, I have kept the entire chapter of Romans 12 printed and framed in my office and in my closet. One way or another, I see and read it daily. Because, as far as I am concerned, if we all lived by this prescription, what a wonderful world this would be!
But it is easier said than done. Verse 18 alone is a challenge; it is hard to live at peace with everyone, even if it does depend on me. Why? Because I have feelings too, and sometimes “everyone” steps on them. What about me? What about my feelings?? Don’t I matter as much as them?!
Of course, to God, like all good parents, we each matter very much. We each matter equally to Him. So yes, your feelings are important, but so are the “everyones” stepping on them. And I believe this is where sacrifice comes in as a form of worship. When we truly know and trust God, we don’t have to explain ourselves, justify ourselves, or prove ourselves to anyone for any reason. He asks us to get out of the way, let Him stand in front of us, and let Him do the work that needs to be done on each of our behaves.
I try to picture myself in these hard-feeling situations handling it with the Lord like I would hope it would be like for my children with me. Believe it or not, as their mother, I often see a bigger picture or perhaps know and understand more about a situation than they do. If they will just come to me and talk about whatever the problem or offense is, I am more than ready and willing to help them solve the problem. But that requires them to sacrifice the need to react or respond immediately, and come to me first to get some insight and assistance, then make a more informed decision on how to handle their hurt feelings. It is good to know that God does the same, even more than this, for us, because He loves us more perfectly and intensely than we, as earthly parents, can ever love our own children–that is hard to fathom, but it is true!
Sacrifice is not a word that we like to talk about; it is uncomfortable. It requires us to lay down what we want or desire for something or someone else. It means that someone else gets the better part, and we take the lesser part. Sacrifice, in and of itself, means laying down “me” for something that feels “less than”–less than fair, less than good, less than right. But if we let God step in, if we truly live by Romans 12, if we actually make an effort to be an instrument of peace, we will be surprised at the “better than” outcome! The hardest lesson I have had to learn in my life is that sometimes we have to let go of good to be able to take hold of God’s great. It is scary and uncomfortable…unless you know the Father who is there to catch you every single time! Then, the idea of letting it go, of sacrificing your feelings, of leaving behind the betrayal or hurt or pain, becomes an exciting opportunity to watch God do His best work!
So, today, let’s live in peace as best we can. Whether someone cuts you off in traffic, is snarky to you in the check out line, or commits a more serious heart-wrenching offense against your sense of right and wrong, live in peace knowing that God will take care of it. He is ready and willing with advice, comfort, and an action plan that will far surpass your wildest expectations, if you’ll sacrifice a little time to talk to Him about it first!
In His Love,
Dr. Allison Key
