Observation: Paul has 12 verses that are a list of the ways Christians should behave and interact. In all, it's about 27 behavioral instructions, most so short that v18 is one of the longer ones. This is a simple instruction - live at peace with everyone - but oh, so hard to do. That is why being a peacemaker is one of the blessed kinds of people in the beatitudes.
Application: Today, I want to lash out at someone. Twenty minutes ago I received information that is relatively meaningless - that I won't be interviewed for a particular job - but it has a larger context. The job was back in government, reporting to my former boss, working with people who were my former peers, and in a position for which I am imminently qualified. I didn't get through the resume screening, and I'm not an idiot to not know what that means ... people I trust and once declared they would stand by me have taken an active role in shunning me.
Yes, I want to say something. I want to do something that lets them know that I know what they have done. However, that absolutely is not the peaceful approach. The minimum definition of the peaceful approach is to do nothing. The best approach is likely to ignore it, assume the best (that somehow they weren't involved or informed), and proceed in life reminding myself that I actually didn't want the job anyway and already have a new job (a new job that likely will require me to interact with these same people anyway).
Maybe I am assuming action or intent where it doesn't exist, and my response would actually harm the situation. At the very least, even not reacting makes things better, and ignoring and moving on actually makes my life easier.
I do want to live at peace with everyone. It is such an easier life than the alternative. Sometimes it hurts my internal pride, but pride is a beast I've been trying to tame for years so the discipline of peace helps with that, too.
In the end, those people are allowed to think of me as they will. They can believe old rumors and outright lies. They can make decisions about me based on bad assumptions, misinformation, and festering jealousy even. However ... as far as it depends on ME ... I'll live at peace, without confrontation or conflict or even hard questions.
Prayer: Lord, I know I'm likely overreacting to a situation, but you know it brings up old hurts and sad thoughts. You have already given me your blessing and love, making this situation completely meaningless in my life anyway. Please give me your peace. Amen.
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