The Second Greatest Commandment
A Simple Guideline – Part V
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:8-17 (NLT)
Key Verses: 1 Peter 3:10-11 (NLT) For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
In the last couple devotionals, we looked at what it takes for Christ-followers to be peacemakers and peace maintainers. Those who achieve these two things enjoy life and see many happy days.
However, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the very real possibility that some people with whom you are in relationship do not want to help you gain peace:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”, (Romans 12:18)
If you ask people if they want to live in peace and enjoy a happy life, they at once say “yes”. However, the truth is many are not willing to pay the price for this kind of life. No matter how hard you try, with some people they will not have the peace for which Jesus died to give.
When we do our part in a relationship, there is at least a 50% improvement. Ask any CEO if they would want a 50% improvement in their business and they would be ecstatic to get it.
So do not give up your efforts to be a peacemaker and a peace maintainer. It gives you great returns in a relationship, even if you have to live with a little less than you desire.
We Christ-followers ought to never forget that it is God who wants to help us in our efforts for peace. Read what the Prophet Isaiah wrote about God:
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
When God sees your efforts, He steps in and rewards you with His peace even when the other person you are in relationship with is not interested in putting forth any effort. Remember that the Lord watches and listens to what we say and do:
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)
Jesus also reminds us:
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36)
These two verses supply motivation for a sincere Christ-follower to make every effort to control their tongues and stay earnest about being a peacemaker and maintainer. God is near and willing to help us when we put forth our best efforts. Join me in doing a better job of keeping peace in our relationships.
Father, I want to live in peace and enjoy a happy life. Please remind me to take the lead in keeping peace in my relationships. In Jesus’s Name, amen.