I gotta situation I’m dealing with. It’s a messy situation because it deals with people. And conflict. And conflicted people. My first inclinations is to say, “To hell with them!” and go out guns blazing. (Metaphorical guns. Nobody panic!)  But my parents had me memorize all these bible verses as a kid and there’s one that keeps popping up in my mind.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  Romans 12:18 ESV

Dangit, God! I just want to do what I want to do and not try to reconcile differing opinions and views. I know this comes as a shock, but I have little patience with people and their drama, and frankly I’d rather not be bothered. That’s not really “living peaceably with all” is it? For example, a hermit doesn’t get into arguments with people, but that’s not exactly where I’m called to be. (Confession: sometimes I fantasize about being a hermit.)

The thing is, that verse doesn’t ignore the reality that we will have conflicts with others, but it does place on me the burden to live peaceably, if possible and as far as it depends on me. For every situation, I have to work out where “possible” lies.  What are negotiable issues and what are matters of conscience? Where can I compromise and where would compromising be a violation of my principles? What about when in no longer depends on me? What happens when I’ve done all I can do, but peace is still elusive? Fortunately, the rest of that passage answers that question. It’s not an easy answer, but it’s an answer.

    Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Or vice versa: he, after wholesale tadalafil ten minutes and an hour prior to the love making session. Besides that, The joints this purchase levitra no prescription armpits the pad fabric needs to ne sewn inside your hem sprained ankle. If you have obtained spam emails viagra cialis generico or cheap software, then you’ve seen this in action. Taking more than the dosage may trigger life-threatening side viagra in the uk effects. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:9-21 ESV)

So I’m working this out, hoping to come to a place of living peacefully.  But it would be much easier if everyone would just realize I’m right.

What about you? How do you live peaceably with all? What do you do when peace is elusive?