SEEK TO LIVE IN PEACE WITH EVERYONE

Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV):

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

This verse presents two non-negotiable pursuits in the Christian life: peace and holiness. These are not mere suggestions but divine imperatives. To “pursue” peace implies intentionality, effort, and consistency. It’s something we must actively chase after, just as we pursue holiness. Peace with people and holiness before God are essential—without them, the writer of Hebrews warns, no one will see the Lord.

1. The Call to Live Peaceably

God has called us to live peaceably with everyone, as far as it depends on us.

Romans 12:18 (NKJV):

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

We may not be able to control how others behave toward us, but we are responsible for our own conduct. If strife follows us wherever we go, we must prayerfully examine our hearts. Are we contributing to the conflict, or are we peacemakers?

Jesus Himself blessed the peacemakers:

Matthew 5:9 (NKJV):

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Being a peacemaker reflects the very nature of God, who made peace with us through the sacrifice of His Son (Colossians 1:20). It is not a passive role—it requires humility, patience, and sometimes even silence in the face of provocation.

2. The Tongue: A Fire or a Fountain

One of the greatest enemies of peace is the tongue. Scripture warns of its destructive power.

James 3:5–6 (NKJV):

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… it defiles the whole body… and is set on fire by hell.

Words can ignite conflict, destroy relationships, and poison entire communities. But the same tongue, when tamed by the Holy Spirit, can become a fountain of life.

Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV):

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

If we desire to see good days filled with peace, we must bridle our tongues.

1 Peter 3:10–11 (NKJV):

For ‘He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil… Let him seek peace and pursue it.

This pursuit of peace requires not only refraining from evil speech but also doing good and turning away from evil behaviors.

3. Gentleness: The Strength of Christ

In today’s culture, gentleness is often mistaken for weakness. But biblically, gentleness is a mark of spiritual maturity and strength. Jesus, the King of kings, described Himself as gentle and lowly:

Matthew 11:29 (NKJV):

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

This same gentle spirit is what we are called to reflect. It’s not about being silent in the face of injustice, but about responding with self-control, wisdom, and love.

Philippians 4:5 (NKJV):

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

When gentleness defines your character, you become known as someone who doesn’t stir up strife—but rather, brings peace and calm.

4. Responding to Offense: The Way of the Cross

As believers, our model for responding to offense is Christ. He was mocked, beaten, betrayed—and yet He did not retaliate.

1 Peter 2:23 (NKJV):

Who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.

To be Christlike is to absorb insults and return kindness, trusting God for justice. That is not weakness—it is spiritual power under control.

Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV):

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

A quiet and humble spirit diffuses tension. Responding to offense with grace, not retaliation, is a powerful witness to the transforming power of Christ.

5. When Your Ways Please the Lord

There’s a remarkable promise for those who walk in peace and righteousness:

Proverbs 16:7 (NKJV):

When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Pursuing peace is not only beneficial for relationships—it also brings favor with God. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of peace in our lives (Galatians 5:22), and that peace becomes evident in how we treat others.

Conclusion: Peace and Holiness Go Together

Hebrews 12:14 reminds us that peace with people and holiness before God are deeply connected. You cannot grow in holiness while constantly stirring conflict. And you cannot walk in true peace unless your heart is aligned with God’s holiness.

Let us then, as Scripture urges, pursue peace and holiness with diligence—knowing that in doing so, we not only reflect Christ, but also prepare ourselves to see the Lord.

Shalom.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15).

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