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

Rome, the most celebrated city in the world at the time the New Testament was written, was enriched and adorned with the spoils of the world, and contained a population estimated at 1.2 million, half of which were slaves, including representatives of nearly every nation then known. It is highly probable that Christianity was planted in Rome by some of those who had been at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, the book of Acts makes reference to “strangers of Rome” who were in the midst of the multitude.

Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Romans was mainly themed on the universal application of the doctrines of salvation, in relation to Jews and Gentiles. His plea was for Jews to wholly accept believers who were Gentiles as now heirs to the promise, contrary to their customed belief that salvation was of the Jews (John 4:22). He understood that this Jewish belief system was a situation that was becoming prevalent and needed addressing, as it had already taken precedence in Jerusalem.

In Acts, we see the Greek-Speaking believers speaking against the Jews over discrimination, the Apostles had to elect Mathias and others to oversee and maintain the peace. In Rome also, it was important that all Christians regardless of race and ethnicity, avoid petty squabbles and bind as one church, because that is how Christ would have it. To this end Paul gave this charge – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

In the beatitudes, we learn how highly Peacemakers are esteemed in the kingdom, they are the real children of God – Matthew 5:9

Jesus’s desire for us is to be bearers of the Peace He gave us – “my peace I leave with you” -and He expects that we extend it to fellow Christians and all men alike. In a world that seems to thrive under chaos, turbulence and violence, the least we do in our capacity as Christians is to be bearers of peace. When Peter cut the ear of the soldier in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus moved quickly to put it back in place because He chose peace. Not once did He raise His voice at those inflicting pain on His body because he chose peace. That is our master, we must follow Him.

We must strive for peace towards other Christians, towards strangers, towards people of different ethnicity or race and most importantly, towards those who share different belief and values.

Prayer:
May the peace of God that transcends all understanding reign in our hearts, and may we be empowered to be bearers of peace regardless of the circumstances life throws at us. Amen.

Romans 12:18
Matthew 5:9
Acts 6:1-7
John 14:27