So far in our study on peace, we have seen this balanced perspective: we cannot make or create peace; neither do we earn it or deserve it on our own: God gives it to His people when we entrust ourselves to Him. On the other hand, we are responsible to maintain and atmosphere of peace, to seek it, to pursue it, to not disrupt the peace for ourselves or for others. Paul talks about this reponsibility in Romans 12:
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Develop a sense of responsiveness to the Holy Spirit in this area. Sincerely seek His conviction of what is sin for you, and avoid it like the plague; otherwise you will have guilt, not peace. Ask Him to reveal any way in which you are being unloving and "disturbing the peace" in or actions, and how they affect others. Keep in mind what the Kingdom is all about: a shared righteousness, a shared peace, and a shared joy. It is when we live this way we are at peace with God and with others.
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