Paul
the apostle told the believing people in Rome to, “be
of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits”,
and he added, “recompense
to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all
men.” In
chapter
twelve and verse eighteen of Romans,
Paul tells the believers to, “as
much as lies in you, live peaceably with all”
with others where
we read:
If
it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
The
verse begins, “If
it be possible, as much as lies in you, ...”
Paul
began with the words, “if
it be possible”
which means “whether there is ability, power and strength”, “as
much as lies”
or “so far as it depends”
“in you”
which refers to the believing people in Rome. Paul presented his next
instruction with the idea of having “ability and strength” to the
point it “depended” upon his believing readers.
The
verse continues, “...
live peaceably with all men.”.
Paul
added the words, “live
peaceably” which
means “make and cultivate peace and keep harmony”
“with
all men”
which refers to “along each, every, the whole and every person
whether male or female”.
Paul desired for there to be “peace”
among
all the believers.
When
we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see his passion for people
in the church to live with one another in “peace”. Jesus
Christ is known as “the Prince of Peace”, and those who
follow Him should live in “harmony” with one another. There are
times where disagreement is so passionate between people their
ability to live at “peace” is scarce. Paul recognized this
and made provision for people to lean upon their judgment as to how
keep “harmony” with all people.
Next
time Paul challenges the believers
in Rome to, “avenge
not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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