READ: Romans 12 (Focus vs.17–21)
MEMORY VERSE
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
BACKGROUND
Scholar Kenneth E. Bailey told of the leader of an African nation who’d learned to maintain an unusual posture in the international community. He’d established a good relationship with both Israel and the nations surrounding it.
When someone asked him how his nation maintained this fragile balance, he responded, “We choose our friends. We do not encourage our friends to choose our enemies [for us].”
That is wise—and genuinely practical. What that African country modeled on an international level is what Paul encouraged his readers to do on a personal level.
In the midst of a lengthy description of the characteristics of a life changed by Christ, he wrote, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
He goes on to reinforce the importance of our dealings with others by reminding us that even the way we treat our enemies (vv. 20–21) reflects our trust in and dependence upon God and His ultimate care.
To live in peace with everyone may not always be possible (after all, Paul does say “if”). But our responsibility as believers in Jesus is to allow His wisdom to guide our living (James 3:17–18) so that we engage those around us as peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).
What better way could there be to honor the Prince of Peace?
By: Bill Crowder
INSIGHT
It may seem odd that Paul tells his readers to “do what is right in the eyes of everyone” (Romans 12:17), especially since “everyone” includes unbelievers (vv. 14, 20).
Paul is drawing from the teachings of Jesus, challenging us to treat all people well regardless of how they treat us (Matthew 5:39, 44).
But that involves being “careful,” as Paul puts it (Romans 12:17)—considering our actions carefully so as not to jeopardize the integrity and beauty of the gospel.
Throughout his letters, Paul asks believers in Jesus to live well before the unbelieving world so that, in doing so, the changed lives of His followers can bear witness to His worthiness (2 Corinthians 8:21; 1 Timothy 3:7).
It may feel unnatural to repay evil with kindness, but in doing so we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Himself, who gave Himself in our place while we were still His enemies (Romans 5:8).
By: Jed Ostoich
APPLICATION
Where do you struggle to live at peace? How could being an intentional peacemaker interject grace into that conflict?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“It may feel unnatural to repay evil with kindness, but in doing so we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Himself, who gave Himself in our place while we were still His enemies” – Today’s Insight
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“…even the way we treat our enemies (vv. 20–21) reflects our trust in and dependence upon God and His ultimate care.”
PRAYER
“Loving Father, I was Your enemy and You called me friend. Enable me to be a peacemaker so I can show that same grace to others.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES” Kyle Sigmon
You’ve heard it said:
An eye for an eye,
And tooth for a tooth
But I say to you,
Do not resist an evildoer
Turn the other cheek
Go the extra mile
Shed another layer
Love your enemies
You’ve heard it said:
Love your neighbor,
Hate your enemy
But I say to you,
Love your enemies
And pray for them
Turn the other cheek
Go the extra mile
Shed another layer
Love your enemies
What good is it,
To love the ones who love you?
What gain is there,
To only greet your family?
Love your enemies
Turn the other cheek
Go the extra mile
Shed another layer
Love your enemies
READNG THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR
Deuteronomy 17-19
Mark 13:1-20
