Day 16 — As Far as It Depends on You

“If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.”

— Romans 12:18 (BSB)

Abraham and his nephew Lot had a problem. They were both very rich, with huge flocks of sheep, goats and cattle. But there wasn’t enough grass and water for all of their animals in one place. Their herdsmen started fighting.

Abraham was the older one. He was the leader. He had every right to pick the best land for himself. But instead, he said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me.” And he let Lot choose first! “If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.” (You can read the story in Genesis 13.)

Lot chose the best-looking land, the green, well-watered valley. But Abraham kept the peace. And God blessed Abraham anyway, promising him all the land he could see in every direction.

Abraham was a peacemaker. He cared more about peace than about getting his way.

Paul says, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” Notice those words: on your part. You can’t control other people. Some people will want to fight no matter what you do. But you can control your part. You can do everything you can to make peace.

Here are some ways to be a peacemaker:

• Let some things go. Not every little annoyance needs a fight.
• Be willing to go second. Like Abraham, sometimes you can let the other person choose.
• Don’t take the bait. When someone tries to start an argument, you don’t have to join in.
• Look for solutions. Instead of arguing about who’s right, ask, “How can we fix this?”
• Help others make peace. When friends are fighting, you can help them talk it out instead of taking sides.

Sometimes, even when you do your part, the other person won’t make peace. That’s okay. That part isn’t on you. You can pray for them and keep being kind. And if someone is being unsafe, go to a trusted adult.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). When you make peace, you look like your Father in heaven.

Think about it: Is there a conflict in your life right now where you could do “your part” to make peace?

Try this: The next time you feel an argument starting, try one of the peacemaker ideas above instead of fighting.

Dear God, help me be a peacemaker. As far as it depends on me, help me live at peace with everyone. Help me let things go, be willing to go second and look for solutions. Thank You that peacemakers are called Your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.