Discover How Peace Requires Action

Peace requires action. To have peace in our lives means making an effort to live peaceably with others.

Focus Verse:

Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:18-19

What we Learn:

Paul says in verse 19 that we must pursue peace. Pursue is a strong action word. It brings all kinds of imagery to mind like a student working diligently to obtain a university degree. To pursue something is no lazy, halfway endeavor. It’s serious business.  Is it possible that peace requires action on our part?

Paul encourages the believers in Rome to avoid judgment, to welcome other believers without quarreling over minor disputes, and to shelter the weaker in faith. “Pursuing” this balance of love and liberty means being intentional, thoughtful, and selfless. Yet it is the secret recipe for peace in relationships and within community.

Have you ever watched an argument between two friends progress? Sooner or later in any relationship, someone will say or do something that offends. You’ve likely experienced conflict with someone else in your life. 

In any argument or conflict, our first reaction is usually defensive. But have you ever noticed how this only seems to cause more conflict? Arguments seem to beget more arguments. Soon you find that not only is that relationship not peaceful, but our inner thoughts are focused on anger and frustration. Eventually, we are not at peace, even with ourselves.

Why does negativity spread so easily? Research shows that human beings tend to have a negativity bias. We tend to remember negative experiences more vividly and in more detail. It is much easier to remember negative interactions because of the negative emotions associated with them. 

Living in a community with people of diverse giftings and personalities inevitably presents challenges to the peace of that community. Conflict is easy, peace is not. Unless you choose to set aside judgment and instead interact with people in a way that encourages and uplifts them - conflict will be the inevitable consequence.

Negativity is the enemy of peace, but it is ultimately a war we fight within ourselves. Conflict is inevitable, but how we respond is up to us. Lashing out might feel good for a moment, but very few conflicts are resolved by perpetuating a cycle of anger. No one wins and peace is lost. 

Things to Think About:

Are negative emotions taking a front seat in your heart and mind today? Do you feel like your life is far from peaceful?

Consider the words of Paul and “…pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.” Peace is more than a feeling. It is an action, so choose to pursue peace with the determination of a marathon runner aiming for a distant finish line.

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