Pursuing peace

Sometimes the things the Bible teaches are challenging. Pursue peace with all men. How do you do that? Because this verse states we need to pursue holiness as well. And often, it feels that these things can't go together. Some people we know feel so far removed from the holy life that God called us to that it almost feels that living in peace with them will clash with the holiness we pursue. I think we can find a clue in how to do this in 1 Peter 2:17 NLT: "Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king."

The King James version says, "honor all men." It is in respect, in the honoring where the peace is found. When we honor people, they will realize we care for them. It is what God does as well, doesn't he? It says all men, and it means everybody! Inside and outside the church, we are called to respect and honor people, to live in peace even when they disagree with us.

Prayer:

Father, please show me how I can respect all the people I meet. Show me how I can live in peace with all men. Teach me to honor them, so they realize their value in your eyes.