Romans 12:17-21...Live in Peace...

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

We live in a world that finds itself demanding justice through vengeance and retribution through violence. This is not the directive nor the intention of the way God’s children should act. How does violence repay injustice or unrest cause peace. They are diametrically opposed to each other. In order to spread the love and compassion of Christ we must be willing to overlook and forgive transgressions, invoke sympathy and to lean into forgiveness before judgement. After all Christ does not condemn us for all the many transgressions that occur in our lives but rather He stands ready to forgive and console His children with ample grace for every day. If we simply choose to treat everyone as we would a member of our family we could make a difference in peoples lives. Remember, learn and quote to yourself often; "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” You may be surprised how well this serves you...

    

Blessings, 

Alan B Conner