Read: Hebrews 12:14-15

How are you actively working toward peace with other people?  This was the question I was faced with during my devotions yesterday.  It was a question that caused me to think about my daily interactions with family, friends, and people that the Lord puts in my path each day.  The scripture in Hebrews 12:14-15 encourages us to make every effort to promote peace.  It says, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone.”

When we think of promoting peace our minds might go to larger things like war, politics, or social matters.  While it is good to promote peace in those areas it is often more applicable in our day to day interactions with each other.  The lasting mark of a Christian is love.  In our polarized world; hate, fear, and self-righteousness divide people.  As Christians we have the opportunity to sow peace and encourage peaceful interaction with others that grow out of grace.

We need to pray for healing, reconciliation, and peace in our world, in these times, and in our lives.  It begins with us.  The next words in Hebrews 12 speak of being holy as if holiness begins with peace.  Come to think of it, it probably does.  Verse 15 says, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that not bitter root grows up to cause trouble.”  Let’s get rid of bitter roots in our life and promote the peace and grace of God to others.

Make it Personal:  Consider the ways that you can promote peace in all areas with those around you.  When you interact with other people who are imperfect as you are peace has to be a choice you make.  God’s Word says that it is one of the most important choices you will make when it comes to relationship with both believers and unbelievers.  Be a promoter of peace this week.