“Follow peace with all men , and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” – Hebrews 12:14
The world is full of challenges and there are several persons who would go out of their way to make life difficult for you. But what God expects of us as his children is to follow peace with them all.
Sometime ago, while a gentleman was working with a financial institution, one of his subordinates was involved in a fraud and upon investigation, he was found guilty. Prior to that incidence, the subordinate’s performance showed that he should be promoted in a few months. However upon discovery of the fraud, the planned promotion was cancelled and was given a warning on the fraudulent action.
Rather than be grateful that he was not dismissed, the offending man became the enemy of his boss and saw him as enemy of progress. Subsequently, he looked for another job and resigned his appointment. However, he continued to harbor his hatred for his boss based on that action in the office.
The boss, being a Christian had to call him to his office and discussed the matter with him for both of them to be at peace with each other. They departed that day having peace with each other.
Just like in the circumstance above, you could have people who have wronged you and instead of apologizing to you are rather angry with you or in some cases even showing outright hatred. As children of God, what is expected of us is to find an end to any circumstance that will not allow the flow of peace between you and any other person. This is why Jesus says in Hebrews 12:14 KJV “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”
Our God is a God of peace and wants us to follow peace at all times even when you are wronged. This is a condition for us to leave at peace with him. Thus the bible enjoins us to show love to everyone including those that hate us! Matthew 5:46-47 KJV says, “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans so?”
Prayer: Father, help me to follow peace with everyone no matter how challenging.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero