“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom 12:16-18)

The challenges facing the Roman Church were immense. Years prior, Jews and Jewish Christians were removed from the city and only recently allowed back. At this point, the Christian Church had grown with Gentile believers. This created tenuous relationships within the church and the family of God. As people tend to do, many swelled with pride, which contributed to the divisions.

As Christmas approaches, anxieties grow in many as they anticipate difficult relatives and challenging conversations. Will the in-laws say something insensitive again? Who is going to leave in tears this year? What about the dreaded conversations about politics?

When I was a child, I had an uncle who believed that no matter what he did or thought, he was correct, and there was no way he could be wrong. One Christmas he bossed me around all day while he just sat at the kitchen table. My frustrations grew to the point that I finally snapped. He’d injured my pride. I felt disrespected in my home.

Our lives are full of relationships with other people. Relationships are important for human flourishing, life in the church, and our community. In Romans 12, Paul is teaching the church how important it is to make peace with one another. When someone wrongs you, Paul says to make peace with that person as much as it depends on you. Stay humble, do not give in to your inclination to be prideful. Consider others as greater than yourself.

For the next few moments, you're invited to prayerfully reflect on this question: Who do you need to make peace with? Have you sought that person out? Is there anything you need to apologize for? If not, if someone has wronged you, do you think that they might not realize it?

May the peace of God reign in your life and bring peace to your relationships.

Written by Pastor Erik Reynolds (Refuge Church)