promises of peace #18

Peace is Part of a Package Deal.  That's the picture Paul paints for us in Romans 12:

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position, Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 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.

Living in peace happens where these other attributes are found: sincerity, purity, devotion, honor, commitment, servanthood, joy, hope, patience, generosity, hospitality, forgiveness, empathy, humility, honesty.  It is after all these characteristics of Christlike behavior that Paul says: 8 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do everything you can, all these things, in order to help form this atmosphere of peace.  Then, the opposite: taking revenge, judging and seeking to punish - doing that one thing can undo all the above and disturb the peace.  How many times have we seen relationships, churches, families ripped apart, seemingly hopeless to put back together again, because one or more parites decide it is their job to play judge?  Paul gave us this stern reminder: "that's God's job, not yours. If you decide to do it, you're not doing all you can to live at peace with everyone."