Christians, Live Peaceably

D. Scott Meadows

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. —Romans 12.18

This exhortation belongs to the specifics of general devotion to the Lord (Rom 12.1, 2). It is one of many axioms that follow about grateful thinking, speaking, and living for Christ.

Simple Exposition

Consider its three phrases one at a time in reverse order. The third phrase is the main part. “You (implied, subject, plural pronoun, referring to Christians), live (imperative verb, as a command or exhortation) peaceably (adverb, modifying the verb).” This phrase translates one word, a verb, that could be rendered, “being at peace,” to describe the ideal for the ongoing state of our relationships with others. “With all men” broadens the scope to our relationships with everyone, not just fellow Christians.

The second phrase, “as much as lieth in you,” translates only two words, a preposition and a pronoun, alternatively rendered, “as to yourselves.” This recognizes that relationships are mutual and each of us is responsible before God only for our own part in them. “As far as it depends on you” is another translation. Both sides are not always to blame for contention. Each of us must strive for perfect innocence in all our relationships. We must love everyone ethically and consistently, and repent when we are at fault.

The first phrase, “if it be possible,” translates two words in the original. The KJV alerts the English reader that its italicized words have no strictly corresponding words in the donor text but are added to complete the sense in English. Not only are you responsible to do what you can for peaceable relationships, but you must realize that it may not be possible in specific instances. “I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war” (Psa 120.7). Some “please not God, and are contrary to all men” (1 Thess 2.15). Nabal was such a scoundrel that one could not speak to him (1 Sam 25.17). Peace with such people is impossible, at least peace without moral compromise. Do not bear the burden of false guilt when you are innocent.

Close Context

Surrounding exhortations in Romans 12 aid our being at peace with others. Sincere love (9, 10), diligence in our personal sanctification (11), generous giving and hospitality (13), returning good for evil (14), sincere sympathy with others in their joys and sorrows (15), humility in our relationships (16), our obvious integrity (17), refusing to take revenge when mistreated but committing it all to the Lord (19), and treating others better than they deserve (20, 21)—all these are like rain upon the forest to keep it from catching fire or an airdrop of fire retardant for hotspots.

Similar Passages

This accords with what it says in Proverbs, “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Prov 16.7). As a general rule, this is true, though sometimes the most godly are severely persecuted.

Later in Romans, Paul wrote, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace” (Rom 14.19). A wise woman once said, “I am one of them that are peaceable and faithful in Israel,” and she saved many lives (2 Sam 20.19). Psalm 34.14 says, “Seek peace, and pursue it.” “To the counsellors of peace is joy” (Prov 12.20). Jesus preached, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matt 5.9). “Have peace one with another” (Mark 9.50). “God hath called us to peace” (1 Cor 7.15). We must be “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4.3). “Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thess 5.13). “Follow peace with all men” (Heb 12.14). “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated [reasonable]” (Jas 3.17).

Christ Jesus in All This

Our Lord has the honorific title of the “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9.6). He and His work reconcile people to God and with one another. “The Prince of Peace wars against war, and destroys it” (BI, in loc.). He is the King whose reign causes “the wolf [to] dwell with the lamb, and the leopard . . . with the kid [young goat]; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling [calf] together” (Isa 11.6)—all metaphorical for sinners who hated each other living together peaceably with love for Christ and for one another, His church.

Practical Application

We have no hope of obeying from the heart this counsel to live peaceably with all men unless and until Christ lives in us (Gal 2.20). This calling to peace is progressively answered as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Him (2 Pet 3.18). We must receive Christ as our Lord and Savior and walk in devoted loyalty to Him every day. Let us mortify our sinful desires, the fuel of countless contentions (Jas 4.1). Studiously avoid needlessly provoking others by speech and behavior inconsistent with our being followers of Jesus Christ. This will not make all our relationships to be peaceable, but at least we will not be stained with the guilt for strife. This is God’s will. Ω