07-19-15 As far as it depends on you!

Scripture:   Romans 12:1-21 (18-20)

The Personnel Journal reported this incredible statistic: since the beginning of recorded history, the entire world has been at peace less than eight percent of the time! In its study, the periodical discovered that of 3530 years of recorded history, only 286 years saw peace. Moreover, in excess of 8000 peace treaties were made--and broken. 

Romans 12:1-21

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

          3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

          9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

          14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

          17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

Romans 12:18-20

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (The MSG Rom 12:18 If you've got it in you, get along with everybody.) 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 

My kid’s facebook response

Gretchen Ingle

Regardless of what you think about any issue, please stop saying you are unfriending/blocking everyone with a different opinion. Don't call others ignorant, judgemental, or sinful, and then turn around and act the same way towards them. How are things ever going to change if we can't engage in healthy dialogue? Let's seek to understand one another and educate ourselves instead of tearing one another down. Both sides are promoting love (by different definitions), but such actions exhibit hate.

Nathan Cooper

While there have certainly been people on both sides who have used divisive and hateful words in the name of love, the response I have seen on social media from the vast majority of you on both sides of this issue has been graceful. When we treat each other with grace and respect, regardless of where we fall on this (or any) issue, then love does indeed win.

 

VIDEO - HARMONY from Right Now Media

7 STEPS TO LIVING AT PEACE WITH (nearly) EVERYONE

1   BEYOND BITTERNESS       Hebrews 12:14-15

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

2   SEEK & PURSUE PEACE        Psalm 34:14

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

3   WORK AT PEACE        Romans 14:19-20

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

4   MAKE PEACE THE MASTER OF YOUR HEART        Colossians 3:15-16

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

5   MAKE PEACE EVEN WITH YOUR ENIMIES        Proverbs 16:7

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

6   REWARD FOR PEACE        Proverbs 12:20

There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace.

7   REAP WHAT YOU SOW        James 3:17-18

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

 

Greet one another (Rom. 16:16, 1 Cor. 16:20, 2 Cor. 13:12, 1 Pet. 5:14)

Comfort one another (1 Thess. 4:18)

Forgive one another (Col. 3:13)

Build one another up (Rom. 15:2; 1 Thess. 5:11)

Serve one another (Gal. 5:13)

Bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2)

Encourage one another (Heb. 10:25)

Meet with one another (Heb. 10:25)

Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward one another (Eph. 4:32, Rom. 12:10)

Receive (welcome) one another as Christ received us (Rom. 15:7)

Care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25)

Minister one to another (1 Pet. 4:10)

Show hospitality to one another (1 Pet. 4:9)

Pray for one another (James 5:16)

Romans 12:18-20

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (The MSG Rom 12:18 If you've got it in you, get along with everybody.) 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."