If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18
It is a natural human desire that others recognise the things we hold dear. Indeed, we assume that others will value what we value, and we are much confused when they do not.
When we discover the treasure of the gospel, more than ever do we yearn to share its joy with those around us. Realising that what we now cherish is of supreme value, our assumption is greater than ever that others will also appreciate this pearl of great price. But alas, we quickly learn that there is even less sympathy for this discovery than for any of the vain things we carried on about before. Unable to contain ourselves, however, we persist in talking of our first love, which in many cases leads to controversy and alienation. It is then that we realise what Jesus meant when He said, ‘Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword’ (Matthew 10:34).
Solomon wisely wrote that ‘it is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling’ (Proverbs 20:3). The yearning for those around us to be saved is to be balanced with the wisdom of restraint. To live in peace with those whose principles grind against your own is no easy task. Yet ‘as much as lieth in you’, we are counselled to ‘live peaceably with all men’. In some cases, this means that we must honourably cease from strife. Perplexed, but not in despair, prayer remans the front line.
By maintaining a friendly and cheerful countenance with those that beat back the truth, we demonstrate that what we live for will not change regardless of how others feel about it. Thus we fulfil the words of Paul: ‘Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21).
Christopher Sparks