Two-minute read.
Watching the remake of “Little House on the Prairie” on Netflix, one scene stood out to me. Mary, the Ingalls’ oldest daughter, complains to her mother about having to share everything with her little sister Laura. Pregnant, Caroline responds with wisdom.
“Well, when this baby comes, you’re going to have to share even more, so you might as well make peace with it.”
Hearing the words, I thought of all the things in life I don’t like doing. Sometimes, I rebel against them, refusing to bend. As I thought about making peace, I realized it comes with acceptance not only of our circumstances but also of people.
Paul begins today’s verse with the phrase, “Do all that you can.” He recognizes that peace requires two willing participants. We can’t control another person’s attitudes, choices, or actions, but we can control ours. God calls us to pursue peace by responding with humility, kindness, forgiveness, and grace whenever possible.
Living at peace does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or pretending that wrongs never happened. Sometimes peace involves speaking the truth lovingly, setting healthy boundaries, or addressing conflict with wisdom and respect. Biblical wisdom doesn’t mean the absence of conflict, but the presence of Christ’s love and wisdom in the middle of it.
Peace begins in our hearts. When we become secure in God’s love and surrender to His Spirit, we are less likely to react in anger, seek revenge, or hold grudges. Instead, we become peacemakers who reflect the character of Jesus.
Choosing peace doesn’t always change another person’s behavior, but it changes ours. We can walk away knowing we have honored God by responding with grace and integrity.
In Romans 12, Paul gives many practical instructions for living as followers of Christ. After explaining God’s mercy and grace, the apostle tells us what a transformed life looks like in everyday relationships. Living in peace with all, to the best of our ability, will challenge us at times. But as we learn to accept what we cannot change and change what we can, we will make peace with those around us.
Journal Questions:
- Is there a relationship causing you stress?
- What part of this situation is within your control?
- How can you pursue peace today?
Stressbuster:
Reach out with a kind text or phone call.
