“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”—Romans 12:18

Romans 12:18 uses the words, if possible, we are to live in peace with everyone. A few weeks ago, I encountered a situation at the grocery store. I had finished unloading my things on the conveyer belt. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone walk in line behind me. As a courtesy, I grabbed the divider so they could put their things behind mine.

When I did this the man curtly said, “I don’t need that. I don’t have anything.” I turned around and saw he was empty handed and said, “Sorry, I assumed you did. I was just trying to be helpful.” In a not so nice tone he replied, “You need to pay better attention.” I felt a spirit of darkness and anger within him.

Rather than engage, I was nudged to interact with the cashier and young lady bagging the groceries. I could tell the cashier was uncomfortable with the man behind me who was continuing to mumble unkind words to me. Ignoring him was the best way for me to live peacefully. I sensed that any other words I spoke to him would stir up anger, not diffuse the situation.

I am going to be honest, in the flesh, it took everything in me to not react with a snappy, not so Christ-like comeback. I wanted to put him in his place. However, the wisdom in Proverbs 15:1 resonated with me. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. It definitely takes more strength to act peacefully. Thankfully, we have the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to do this. Self-control is one of the Fruits of the Spirit we should be emulating.

We try what we can to live peacefully and move on when it doesn’t seem possible. Rather than provoke his anger, I made a choice to be an example of love and kindness with my interactions with the cashier and young lady bagging groceries. I was also praying for God to soften the man’s heart as well as for him to find joy in his day. Romans 12:14 tells us, Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. This is not always easy to do, but if we are to be an example of Christ, we need to model Romans 12:14.

Father God,

Forgive me when I respond in the flesh. I ask for wisdom for self-control of my tongue. Let my words be filled with love and kindness, especially in situations where anger is being expressed toward me. Help me put my behavior alongside of Christ so that my words don’t rule over peace.  I ask for those who harbor anger to toward the innocent be convicted of their behavior. I pray for them to find the joy of Jesus.  It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen

 June Verse

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”—John 15:12

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