Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
Are you a peacemaker or a peace breaker? Do you look to resolve conflicts peacefully, or are you more prone to stir the proverbial pot, making things worse rather than better? As the Apostle Paul teaches the essential duties of the Christian, he calls for believers to PURSUE as much as it is possible to KEEP the PEACE with others. To those who disagree with us, we are to do our best to KEEP THE PEACE.
With the call for us to be actively pursuing peacemaking with other people, we might ask how do we do this? Let me give a few thoughts.
First, you can disagree agreeably. You can debate over what is best without blowing the proverbial gasket. The key is to always treat the other person with respect. And remember, you can always allow someone to be wrong.
Second, not every argument has to be won. You don’t have to agree to argue every argument presented to you. It has been said that we need to decide what hill we want to die on, and in the big picture of life, there are not that many. Now there are some, but in reality, there aren’t that many.
Third, resolve to solve, not dissolve. Value the person over the problem.
Fourth, (from John Maxwell) practice the 101% rule. Find the 1% you do agree on and give that 100%.
Fifth, (from Steven Covey) Seek first to understand before seeking to be understood, and go for the WIN-WIN! It is amazing how disagreements can be resolved when we listen to what the other person is saying.
Sixth, (from Jesus) turn the other cheek and go the extra mile.
These are but a few suggestions on how you can work to live peaceably. I am sure you can add to the list, and I hope you do. The bottom line is that we have from Romans 12:18 the instructions to do as much as possible to live peaceably.
Continue Strong as a PEACEMAKER.
And remember to DATE THE WORD