It's Always Possible

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18 (NIV)

At school, a young boy decided to distance himself from a group of students. Personally, they hadn't done him any harm, but their behavior and malicious remarks towards other students bothered him. He felt they shouldn't behave that way at school. Although he did everything he could to avoid being involved in their schemes, he too became a target of their mockery. They even used his distance to attack him and make him out to be the one with the problem. Finally, he decided to file a complaint with the school administration to put an end to their harassment of all the students.

This young man knew that the behavior of this group of students was bothering everyone. Unable to correct or reprimand them himself, he made the decision he believed was best to protect himself. But unfortunately, he wasn't spared. This is a situation we encounter every day. There's always someone with whom we try to live in peace, but who acts differently than we expect. Even an enemy with whom we seek peace may not want it, because they want there to be conflict between us. That's what satisfies them.

It is in this sense that Paul urges us to do everything in our power to avoid difficult situations and to distance ourselves from those who mock us. But he knows that this won't always be possible. We can take all the necessary steps, but sometimes it's not possible because the person with whom we seek peace doesn't see things the same way. This is the kind of situation no one wants to experience. When you find yourself in such a situation, the best attitude to adopt is silence, and the best thing to do is to turn to God. God is the only one capable of taking things into His own hands, enabling you to make it possible and to make peace with your adversary.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.