Paul penned these very simple words to the believers in Rome.  “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18).  These words, as simple as they may seem, carry profound truth and lay out a very basic, yet difficult principle, reveal powerful potential within the Body of Christ, and offer a marvelous privilege.

The principle is clear.  If you can keep peace, then you should do it.  Clearly there are cases where it is not possible or in which to do so would be to compromise or even sin.  Peace is not in those cases, the highest aim.  But in the majority of cases, if it is possible, we are to keep peace.  If it means saying we’re sorry or giving up our rights, we should do so.

The potential is even greater.  Imagine what the church would look like and what great things for God might be accomplished if this principle were heeded.  The churches that would not split, the relationships that would not break, the influence and testimony that would not be lost.  The potential is immeasurable.

Finally, obedience to this command carries a great privilege because Jesus said the peacemakers “should be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9), a status that according to John is a mark of God’s lavish love (1 John 3:1-3).  Let us strive to keep peace, see the church become what God intended, and walk in the lavish love of God, who has called us as His own!