Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
In a world of angry headlines, fractured communities, divided churches, and strained relationships, Paul’s words in Romans 12 speak with surprising clarity: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
The phrase is powerful because it does two things. First, it acknowledges reality—peace may not always be possible. Some people won’t respond well. Some situations are complex. Some wounds go deep. But then it places the responsibility squarely in our hands: As far as it depends on you.
That’s both challenging and empowering, don’t you think?
Romans 12 as a whole is a blueprint for Christian living in a broken world. Paul opens the chapter by urging believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, not conforming to the patterns of the world but being transformed by the renewing of their minds (vv. 1–2). That transformation affects how we live in community. It impacts how we respond to hostility. And it shapes how we pursue peace.
Living at peace means stepping into situations with an attitude of humility, not superiority. It means being a person who listens well, speaks with grace, and is slow to take offense. Paul instructs us to “bless those who persecute you” (v. 14), “not repay evil for evil” (v. 17), and “overcome evil with good” (v. 21). This is Spirit-empowered, Christ-centred living.
Peacemaking isn’t passive. It’s active.
It requires intention. Initiative. Guts. It means we stop rehearsing how we’ve been wronged and start considering how we might build a bridge. It means that when others stir up division, we sow seeds of unity. It also requires discernment. Notice Paul says, “If it is possible…” Sometimes reconciliation isn’t possible … yet. Sometimes setting boundaries is necessary. Peace doesn’t mean allowing abuse or injustice. It doesn’t mean enabling sin. But even in those situations, it does mean refusing to return evil for evil. It means being kind even when you’re not treated kindly.
What does this mean for you and I today?
- Is there someone you need to forgive, even if they don’t apologise?
- Is there a conversation you’ve been avoiding that might lead to healing?
- Have you been holding on to bitterness because it feels justified?
- Are you waiting for someone else to make the first move?
Living at peace doesn’t mean waiting for others to change. It means allowing God to change you, and responding accordingly. Imagine what would happen if every follower of Christ truly pursued peace! Imagine the witness of a Church marked not by division, but by grace. Imagine your home, your workplace, your relationships reflecting the character of Christ.
You may not be able to change the whole world. But as far as it depends on you, start with your corner of it. Be the one who chooses peace.