FRIDAY: PEACE WITH ALL MEN
KEY PASSAGE
“But God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
DEVOTIONAL
One of the reasons forgiveness is so difficult is because we forget that forgiveness is a GIFT and not a burden. Yes, forgiveness, especially extending forgiveness, is a difficult practice but God promises it is for our benefit— to produce righteousness, peace, strength, healing, and holiness in us. When we withhold forgiveness from others we forsake these gifts for a counterfeit version of peace and instead allow bitter roots to grow up to cause trouble.
This is why it is important to make every effort to live in peace with everyone, because not only are the gifts of righteousness, peace, strength, healing, and holiness for you, they are for everyone. God produces these things in you in order that no one falls short of His grace!
And I know what you’re thinking. “I can live at peace with most everyone, just not ______.” But this is the reality of extending forgiveness— it is your opportunity to lay the disappointment, bitterness, and revenge you feel entitled to at the feet of Jesus once and for all. To erase the records of wrong-doings and release your pain to say, “Jesus, you will do what is right with them better than I can.”
Romans 12:18-19 says:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
God is not only a god of forgiveness, He is a god of justice. And He is asking you to exchange any un-forgiveness you have for His gifts of righteousness, peace, strength, healing and holiness. He is asking you to trust Him with the pain of your past to lead you into a better future.
CHALLENGE
As you have read about living at peace with everyone today, maybe a name came to mind of someone you have un-forgiveness towards. Take a moment to remember a time you received forgiveness from God. Ask God to help you imagine Him extending that same forgiveness to them, because He has. Ask God for the courage to release your un-forgiveness to Him, and to help you receive His righteousness, peace, strength, healing, and holiness in its place.