“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

This verse gets personal real quick—“as far as it depends on you.” We all know it takes two people to fight, and Romans 12:18 puts the burden on all who read it and choose to obey it to live at peace with everyone. Notice that everyone includes your neighbors, your spouse, your family members, the person that cut you off in traffic, the guy playing his music obnoxiously loud—everyone. Sometimes we do a better job of living at peace with neighbors we barely know and not family who we love. It takes two people to argue or fight, but as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 

Notice the first part of the verse is, If it is possible, which indicates that Paul knew it may not be possible to live in peace with everyone. Paul knew that it takes two people to fight or argue, and he is only addressing our side of things. You might already be thinking of that person with whom it is impossible to live at peace. This person may not know this verse or care to live by it, they may not want to live in peace with you, but as far as it depends on you, if it’s possible, live in peace. Just know, as Paul did, that with some people, it just may not be possible. So how can we seek to live at peace with everyone? 

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

The more that we study God’s word, the closer we walk with Him; the more we choose the Holy Spirit over our sinful nature, the more the fruit of the Spirit will grow in our lives. We will have more love, more joy, more patience, more kindness, more goodness, more faithfulness, more gentleness, and more self-control—and all of these will help us to live at peace with others. Look at the verses that come before and after Romans 12:18.

“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.” (Romans 12:17)

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.” (Romans 12:19)

This takes self-control, which is the last fruit of the Spirit. That person who may not want to live at peace with you—don’t disregard these verses to sink to their level. Exercise self-control; don’t pay back evil for evil and don’t seek revenge. Remember that it takes two to fight and argue, and as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Sometimes that might mean walking away and getting some space from someone who only wants to fight.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

God uses Scripture to prepare and equip us to do every good work. It may not be possible to live at peace with everyone, but with the fruit of the Spirit and the holy Scriptures, we are equipped, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed