Live Peaceably with All Men
ICS Daily Devotions
Matthew 18:16 (NKJV) But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’
In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus has given us a three-step approach for confronting someone who has wronged or sinned against us. Verse 16 describes step 2 of the process. It takes both parties to bring about peace and restoration, but unfortunately, not everyone is willing to hear the other party’s view because it depends on whether they wish to remain in strife or have peace.
Romans 12:17-18 (NKJV) Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
However, as Christians pursuing love and living as peacefully with everyone as possible, we should not allow strife, division, hatred, and unforgiveness to drive a wedge between family members, friends, church members, and colleagues. Therefore, if we have been sinned against, bringing one or two friends will help ensure what we hear from the other party is correct because we may be selective in our listening.
Sanctification is a lifelong process. We must carry the cross by denying our flesh—to quit being proud, needing to be correct, and wanting to get even, but start loving and forgiving. It means loving when it is difficult to love and doing what is right even when our flesh cries out to rebel.
Romans 12:10-11,21 (NKJV) Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
When we are approached to resolve a conflict, we should respond by showing kindness in our speech and actions. There should be no condescension, aggression, or sense of entitlement to be rude. We will overcome evil with good when we carry ourselves in this manner.
Romans 13:8 (NKJV) Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Jesus has given us a new commandment. A commandment is not a choice but something He requires us to do so that the world will know we are His disciples. Therefore, choosing to listen to the other party, especially when they initiate a restoration, clarification, and even confrontation, shows maturity as a believer. God will be unjust if He commands us to love with His Agape love without enabling us to. Nonetheless, we still need to walk in love intentionally. Since it is a commandment given by the Lord, what we owe to anyone will be God’s unconditional love. Love fulfils the law.
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