If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
–Romans 12:18
I heard about a man who went to Jonathan Edwards, the great preacher, wanting to marry his daughter. Now, Edwards had several daughters, and the one this young man was in love with was particularly disagreeable.
So the man asked Edwards, “Sir, may I have your daughter’s hand in marriage?” To which Edwards replied, “No, you may not.”
So the man quipped back and said, “Why, sir? She is a Christian and I want her to be my wife.”
Jonathan Edwards said, “Yes, she is, but the grace of God can live with some people with whom no one else can!”
If you’re honest, you can probably think of at least a few people you might say that about today! But the Bible is clear that despite the differences you may have with others, we’re to live at peace with them. In fact, the Scripture goes as far as to tell you to love your enemies (Matthew 5:44).
So, as you think about those people in your life who might need a little extra measure of grace, pray that God would work in and through you to show it to them because cultivating good relationships with others will bless you throughout your life!
GOD WANTS YOU TO LIVE AT PEACE WITH ALL PEOPLE, SO PRAY THAT HE WOULD GIVE YOU THE GRACE TO LOVE OTHERS, EVEN YOUR ENEMIES.
