Living Peaceably

Read Genesis 21:22-34

Wells were a hot commodity back in Abraham’s time, without constant access to water one guaranteed the death of their family. This well here had been built by Abraham and he had returned to it after sometime. But being in the Philistines’ land, it is unsurprising that they
take issue with this. Abraham had left for some time, they plainly had no knowledge of his ownership of this well.

Abraham appears to have a continuing treaty between him and Abimelech, they were allies. This was wise and good to do. To seek to live at peace with everyone around as far as possible. This was wise, and that wisdom continues even in the letters of Paul.

Romans 12:18 (ESV)
¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

How can we live peaceably with all, isn’t the gospel offensive? That is why he says as far as it depends upon you. We are in no way to suppress the Christian way of life, or the message of the gospel in order to ccommodate other people. But we are not to create walls of division or pursue quarreling with people over things that do not matter to the core message of the gospel.

The church has always grown under persecution, but it is not a good thing for the church to be persecuted, better yet a peaceful country that does not persecute our faith is of great benefit because it allows an easier spread of the gospel.

My friends, we are not to settle down in this world, but we also do not need to create divisions between us and unbelievers over every single thing that we disagree about. Paul said “ I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”

I like meat, but if going vegetarian will help someone hear the gospel, let's go vegetarian. Some outfits are immodest, but if ignoring it, and continuing to spend time with that person allows them to hear the gospel, lets get over our delicate sensibilities and invite that person in.

The gospel is pure and good truth, we should never let anything taint it. But our preferences and sensibilities should take a backseat when they create barriers for people to hear the gospel.

People do not need to see that we are distinct from them in every way, we are still human, and will still have much in common. The difference is people will know like Abimelech knew of Abraham, God is with us.

Questions:

Where might be some areas where you prefer to distance yourself from people or create barriers that are unnecessary?

What truths in the gospel help you to overcome these inclinations to distance yourself?