“If it is possible, AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON YOU, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) This is not a statement of total non-violence or complete lack of concern, however. Paul gives two clear conditions: “If possible” and “as far as it depends on you.” This command recognizes that conflict is sometimes unavoidable. Some people are just not interested in making peace with us. There is such a thing as an appropriate time and place to disagree, to dispute, or even to fight. Not every action that makes others happy is SOMETHING GOOD, or SOMETHING GOD WOULD WANT US TO DO.
When a gunman killed five Amish children and injured five others in a Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania schoolhouse shooting in October of 2006, the world media attention rapidly turned from the tragic events to the extraordinary FORGIVENESS demonstrated by the Amish community. Through the eyes of a grieving mother, Ida Graber, and other devastated families, this movie explores the Amish’s astonishing reaction to the horrific shootings – of FORGIVENESS and COMPASSION. And to demonstrate the “AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON YOU” scenario. What make this possible is explained in this scripture, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE.” (Isaiah 9:6)
In our sinful state, we are enemies with God, “…if when WE WERE ENEMIES (with God) we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, WE SHALL BE SAVED BY HIS LIFE.” (Romans 5:10) “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS, CHRIST DIED FOR US.” (Romans 5:8) Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are restored to a relationship of peace with God, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1) This is the DEEP, ABIDING PEACE between our hearts and our Creator that cannot be taken away, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I GIVE THEM ETERNAL LIFE, and they shall NEVER PERISH; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28) the ultimate fulfillment of Christ’s work as “PRINCE OF PEACE.”
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham