“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way.” Matthew 5:25 (NIV)
Jesus makes this application from the sixth commandment: Settle your disputes as quickly as you can. If there’s a way to settle with integrity, pursue it. Paul says the same thing: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18).
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is able to bring peace into the deepest wounds of your life. In different ways we have all broken this commandment. We need mercy and forgiveness, and God offers that to us in Jesus Christ.
The whole Bible story is pointing forward to a day when the line of conflict will be replaced by the path of peace. Under the reign of Christ, you will be at peace with yourself. You will experience community with God’s people. Nation will speak to nation. The implements of war will become obsolete, and nations will no longer study war.
Then, in a new heaven and earth, the whole creation will be released from its groaning under the curse. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. The line of conflict will be gone, as God makes everything new.
Can you imagine what it will be like when this command becomes a reality? Who do you need to take the initiative with to make peace today?
