Read: Romans 12:17-18

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Reflect:

Maybe it is the political environment or the rise of social media or something else entirely, but it seems that our world is more polarized than ever. What do you think?

So, at a time when Facebook friends are no longer and a twitter feed can cost you a job, this is a time when we can (and should) bring more light to the conversation instead of heating up tempers!

In the passage above Paul calls on us to resist the urge to respond in like manner when someone treats us with evil intent. Instead of turning up the heat, he tells us to live in such a way that everyone will acknowledge our continual efforts to do the right thing.

Even though we may make every effort to engage others in a civil manner, there are those who are determined to stir things up. So, Paul makes the point that “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Respond:

Let’s face it. Some people are toxic. They poison relationships and will spread their discontent whenever and wherever possible. There is little we can do to make things right with them. So, in those instances, we do our best to get along and we pray for them.