Can We Always Just Get Along?

CAN WE ALWAYS JUST GET ALONG?

Romans 12:10-21

Remember Rodney King's words? After having his rights violated, being beaten and left disfigured he coined a phrase that will out live him. He said "Can't we all just get along".

His profound phrase poses a great question. Can we come to the place in society that we can live in peace with our fellow man? No hate, No envy, No covertness, no bias?

THE NATURAL MAN CANNOT

The results of the fall of mankind caused all to hate, envy, covet and prejudge. Ever since sin entered the world there has been the potential for conflict. Cain, when he killed his brother was the first written example of a fight and murder recorded in the Bible. It's been going on ever since. So the natural propensity is to always be at war with someone. In fact the word "war" is regularly used in our society. As people we are always in a conflict and fight with someone or something. Let's face it humans are difficult to deal with. Even in my small world I have to deal with Sadists, Squelchers, Snitchers, Screw Ups, Stubborn Mules, Squawkers, Super-Sensitive, Stiff Necks, Showoffs and Skeptics ...you get the picture. Notice I said DEAL WITH!

You have to Deal with them. Unsaved folk (and some saved folk) are difficult to deal with. So what's the answer???? Roman's 12:17-18 is one of many verses that speak to us about dealing with the conflicts brought on by difficult people.

This verse says: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

Can we always?

IF IT IS POSSIBLE.

Even God knows that it is not possible to live at peace with everybody! Some people will quarrel, and it is barely possible to keep on good terms with them. In their case we must do our best, and if after all, we cannot live peaceably with them, it will be fortunate for us if we can move on and live without them. But try because the possibility exists in all of us.

IT'S UP TO YOU.

Note the qualifying phrase "as much as depends on you." Some people problems may never be resolved, for just as it takes two to quarrel, it also takes two to reconcile.

If we do our part and the "irreconcilable difference" remains, there is still a plan to follow. In this situation, it is important that we not harbor resentment or try to retaliate with the weapon of silence (pouting or passive aggressive behavior, the "silent treatment") you know exactly what I mean don't you!

Saved, transformed Christians need to make a conscious effort to work at overcoming evil with good, and let God work out the problem. We need to keep following the steps given in the verses in this chapter until our people problems are resolved. But regardless of whether they are resolved, we must still continue the practice of "living in peace with all men."

Be affectionate (Ro 12:10)

Be prayerfully patient (Ro 12:12)

Bless your persecutors (Ro 12:14)

Be humble (Ro 12:16)

Don't take revenge (Ro 12:19)

Defeat evil with good (Ro 12:21)