Romans 12:18 “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Paul begins this thought with the words “If possible”. That indicates to me that there will be times that it is not possible to live peaceably; however, he then goes on to say: “as far as it depends on you”. That tells me that, no matter how difficult the situation is with the other person, it is up to us to live peaceably with them.
I have learned to remove myself from the pain, to walk away and regroup within myself. I then take my anger or hurt feelings to God, talk to a friend if possible, and try and quiet the disturbance within me. I have been trained to “let it go”, “pray for them”, “act as if”, and only address it with the other person if my Lord gives me the words, the strength and an opportunity to do so only after I am no longer disturbed. Most of these tools have come from my recovery program; however, they are scriptural and they work.
Today, I choose to be happy, joyous and free. The Bible tells me to have the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). The only time He was harsh was with the Pharisees and then only because they were corrupting the people.
So, I will continue to work on myself to live peaceably with all. We are supposed to be different, we are supposed to be the light to a dark and dying world; we are supposed to love as He did. So, if possible, as far as it depends on me…
juliesramblings 