The Marks of a Christian - Live Peaceably with All

If you are a follower of Jesus, your life should have outward marks that reflect your inward convictions. These marks signify that you live your life in a way that imitates Christ. Another mark of a Christian? “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). Jesus desires all people to live at peace with one another. That's His will for us. To live a life free of conflict. Disagreements. Strife.  Self-control enables us to do just that. But what we can't control is others. We can't make others choose the path to peace. Sometimes people will choose to keep a conflict going. To keep stirring the pot. To fuel the flames of anger and bitterness. Therefore, we focus on controlling what we can control. Even with people who continue advancing conflict. How? By forgiving. Guarding our tongues. Speaking words of life, not death. By blessing, not condemning. And, when necessary, simply walking away from the strife. Refusing to engage with them further - for their sakes and ours. Living peaceably with all means we do what we can do - and leave the rest in God’s rightful hands.   Here’s a maxim that’s been helpful to me for obeying this verse: Do your best. Give God the rest. And when we do just that, we reveal ourselves as true followers of Jesus.