The Mirror of the Word and other works by C.E. White can be purchased on her website, cewhitebooks.com or on Amazon.

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.”

—Romans 12:18

It’s not always possible to live at peace with everyone, but it is possible to live by the “so far as it depends on us” part.

This doesn’t mean we have to keep silent about what is right and wrong, but it does mean we’re discerning about when we speak and when we don’t. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will prompt us to keep silent and sometimes to speak the truth gently in love.

Many disagreements occur because people—even Christians—show no indication that either party is trying to live peaceably. Sadly, many times, both are simply trying to win an argument or get their way by any means necessary. It’s rare to find a sincere debate where people really want to know and learn truth or a sincere discussion where people are showing respect and love, wanting the end to bring understanding, peace, and restoration of relationship.

There are about a thousand ways this verse can play out—in arguments about faith, in marriages, in jobs, or in parenting. In all, the key is being intentional about living peaceably. We do not fall to the level of those who are acting in division, hate, fear, control, or selfishness. We remain loving and kind no matter how we’re being treated so all our words and actions continue to honor God and have the potential to draw others to him.

There are probably people in each of our lives with whom we could live more peaceably as far as it concerns us. Let’s evaluate ourselves carefully and see how we can take steps in that direction.

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