Verse of the Day for September 24

Paul is remarkably honest in verse 18. He does not simply say live peaceably with everyone. He adds two conditions first. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you.

If it be possible. Paul knew it would not always be. Some people will not make peace. Some situations are not safe. Scripture does not ask you to pretend otherwise, or to place yourself in harm's way to keep a calm surface.

As much as lieth in you. Your part is your part. You cannot control the other person's response. You can control whether you return evil for evil, whether you provide things honest, whether you leave vengeance to God.

Fear often speaks first in conflict. Fear says strike back before they strike again. Fear says if you do not avenge yourself, no one will. Paul answers that fear directly. Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Someone is keeping the account, and it is not you.

When the landlord shouts, or the colleague takes credit again, you may still need to speak up or seek help. But you can do it without revenge in your heart. Do what lies in you. Leave the rest to the one who judges rightly.

You are responsible for your side of the peace, not theirs.

Leaving vengeance to God is not weakness, it is trust.