“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18 NIV).
So how are you doing with this? Living at peace with everyone is a tall order, but if we all did it what a wonderful world this would be. Paul also says; “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:10 NIV). A good friend of mine gave me some wonderful advice. I was told to view people with love, compassion, and forgiveness. After all, this is Jesus’ teachings in a nutshell. Since then I have really tried hard to do this. I have a tendency to judge people rather harshly. So now when someone gets on my nerves, I remember that I am supposed to view them with compassion and love. It has helped me to remember how Jesus treated other people also. He was constantly surrounded by people pushing, shoving, and wanting his attention. He never got angry with them, but showed his compassion with them on every occasion even after a long day.
For example: Matthew 14:13-14 tells how Jesus had compassion even when he was mourning his cousin, John the Baptist’s death. He had withdrawn in a boat to a private place, but the crowd had followed Him on land. When he needed some time to be alone and mourn, he was surrounded by 5,000 men, besides the women and children when his boat landed. Instead of yelling at them to leave him alone, scripture says he had compassion on them and healed the sick. What a wonderful role model for all of us. He put others’ needs above His own. That is what we are to do.
So this week when someone is perturbing you or getting on your nerves, view them with compassion and love just like Jesus’ did.
You will feel better mentally and you just might bless someone else by your positive attitude.
Dear Lord,
Help me to follow your example and treat everyone with love, compassion, and forgiveness. Help me to try to be at peace with everyone so that my lifestyle will be the Christian witness it should be.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
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