>>>
Romans 12:18 - Striving To Live Peacefully.

Romans 12:18 (NKJV) If it is possible, as 
much as depends on you, live peaceably with all 
men.  

INTRODUCTION

Forgiveness is a mark of the Christian life. 
Verses 17-21 summarize the real core of Christian 
living. If we love someone the way Christ loves us, 
we will be willing to forgive. If we have 
experienced Gods grace, we will want to pass it on to 
others. And remember, grace is undeserved favor. By 
giving an enemy a drink, were not excusing his 
misdeeds. Were recognizing him, forgiving him, and 
loving him in spite of his sins - just as Christ 
did for us. [Life Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

Restoring Peace In Relationships
   How do we restore a legacy that has been 
marred by something that may have happened many 
years ago, but continues to haunt us because it 
was never resolved? Often these have to do with 
broken relationships that have never been healed. 
Perhaps this has been true in your own life. If so, 
face it honestly, and do whatever you can to 
change it. As we grow older and look back over our 
lives, how will we view these unresolved 
conflicts? 
   "My mother and I always had a difficult 
relationship," one woman wrote me, "and for the last ten 
years we didn't even speak. Now she's gone, and 
I'd give anything to have just one minute with 
her to tell her I'm sorry." Whether it's with 
parents, children, friends, or family, a broken 
relationship often brings regret - regret over what 
happened, regret over the years that have been lost, 
regret because the time for healing has passed. 
Don't live with regret. As far as it depends on 
you, restore peace in your relationships. 
   Is there someone you need to reconcile 
with? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham] 

COMMENTARY

Learning to Love Difficult People
   One of the most important skills you can 
develop as you walk with Christ is to love difficult 
people. 
   Here are four loving responses Jesus 
modeled when he encountered difficult people: 
      	Realize you cant please 
everybody. Even God cant do that! Jesus didnt  
        mince words when he was talking to a 
group of religious leaders called  
        Pharisees. He said to them, You 
hypocrites, why are you trying to trap  
        me? (Matthew 22:18 NIV) Jesus 
refused to play games. You can too. 
      	Learn to say no to unrealistic 
expectations. The Bible says youre like  
        Jesus when youre speaking the 
truth in love (Ephesians 4:15 NIV).  
        Its fine to say no - just say it 
with love. 
      	Never retaliate. It only lowers 
you to their level. Jesus said: You  
        have heard that it was said, Eye 
for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I  
        tell you, do not resist an evil 
person. If anyone slaps you on the right  
        cheek, turn to them the other cheek 
also (Matthew 5:38-39 NIV). 
      	Pray for them. It will help you 
and the difficult people in your life.  
        Jesus instructions are simple and 
clear: Love your enemies and pray  
        for those who persecute you 
(Matthew 5:44 NIV). Pray for difficult  
        people, and then trust that God will 
speak to them. 
   You encounter difficult people every day. 
And youll often be tempted to react in 
negative ways. Instead, try loving them through these 
four responses. Youll find your relationships 
strengthened and your character becoming more like Jesus. 
[Daily Devotional by Rick Warren: 
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

   If impatient words are spoken to you, 
never reply in the same spirit. Remember that a 
soft answer turneth away wrath. Proverbs 15:1. 
And there is wonderful power in silence. Words 
spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve 
only to exasperate. But anger met with silence, 
in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies 
away. 
   Under a storm of stinging, faultfinding 
words, keep the mind stayed upon the word of God. 
Let mind and heart be stored with Gods 
promises. If you are ill-treated or wrongfully 
accused, instead of returning an angry answer, repeat 
to yourself the precious promises: 
   Be not overcome of evil, but overcome 
evil with good. Romans 12:21. MH486-7 

PASSAGE FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Romans 14:19 (NIV) Let us therefore make 
every effort to do what leads to peace and to 
mutual edification. 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/