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Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18 is one of those “bottom-line verses” in which Paul so ably summarizes and crystallizes what he has been saying. In simple terms, he lays out the Christian’s duty toward unbelievers: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Let’s explore this verse from its end to its beginning. First, note the goal—peace. Christians clearly are called to be peacemakers and peace maintainers. Jesus declared in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9a). Paul adds, “God has called us to peace” (1 Cor. 7:15b). And he exhorts the Christians at Thessalonica, “Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thess. 5:13b). These are just a few of the many biblical passages that call Christians to walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace. God wants His people to be at peace with Him (Rom. 5:1), with their brothers and sisters, and even with unbelievers—but not at any cost, as we shall see.
Second, peace is something we are to strive after. Paul writes, “. . . as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” When it comes to making and maintaining peace with others, we are to look at our own heart attitudes first. We should ask ourselves, “What can I do to promote peace?” We are called to do all that we possibly can to head off conflict and strife. We should leave no stone unturned in this quest. It is simply not an option for us to give up and accept a state of enmity with anyone—except in certain instances.
That brings us to the third point Paul brings out in this verse. He begins by saying, “If it is possible. . .” This verse is a tacit acknowledgement that sometimes it will not be possible to make or maintain peace. “The behavior of other people may negate peace and . . . there may be issues at stake that will make peace impossible even from the side of the Christian,” Dr. James M. Boice writes in his Romans commentary. There will be times when all our efforts to love our enemies, whether through empathy, amicability, humility, or even by returning blessing for persecution, will not disarm their hostility. We can only do our part; we cannot control our enemy’s heart. There also will be times when the price we are asked to pay for peace is the compromising of Scriptural absolutes. When such times arise, there simply must be conflict. Peace cannot be purchased at such a high cost.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Are you currently in a state of conflict with anyone? Are you still striving to achieve peace or have you accepted an uneasy truce? Honestly examine yourself as to whether there is anything further you can do to bring about peace. Ask God for His help in the matter, praying for zeal to pursue peace “as much as depends on you.”
For Further Study
- Psalm 34:14
- Psalm 122:7
- Romans 14:19
- Hebrews 12:14