“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.”
Romans 12:18 (NASB)
We live in a world that thrives on division, where canceling someone is easier than forgiving them. But Romans 12:18 calls us to a higher road: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” This verse doesn’t promise that peace is always possible—but it does say this: make sure it’s not your fault if it isn’t. That’s a powerful challenge.
You and I are called to be peacemakers, not peace-avoiders. That means we do the hard work: initiate the conversation, forgive first, stay silent when we’d rather strike back, and choose grace when we’re tempted to gossip.
C.S. Lewis said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Corrie Ten Boom, who forgave the man who tortured her sister, put it this way: “Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” That means you don’t have to feel like making peace—you just need to decide it’s worth it.
Who is God asking you to pursue peace with today? Who do you need to forgive—not because they deserve it, but because Christ forgave you? You may not be able to fix the relationship, but you can choose to bring peace into it. That’s what Jesus did. And that’s what His followers do.
Let’s be the ones who build bridges where others burn them.
As far as it depends on you—make peace.