If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:18-19
The last step in the journey to overcoming evil with good is contained in this verse. Notice, there are two themes here. One is widely loved and the other is widely loathed.
The one that is widely loved is peace: “Live peaceably with all.” The one that is widely loathed is wrath: “Leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Yet here these two—peace and wrath—stand not only together, but intertwined in such a way that if we were to ditch the one we would lose the other. If we lose our belief in God’s wrath, we lose our hope of God’s peace.
Paul writes: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (12:18). This is our clear calling from God. Do everything in your power to live peaceably with everyone. Make sure that if there is a barrier to peace, it is not on your side.
Reflect on your circle of relationships—family, church, work, and community. Are there any outstanding conflicts between you and others? Are there any barriers to peace on your side? What one step could you take to begin dismantling them?
