Scripture tells us if possible, as far as it depends on us, to live in peace and harmony with everyone! To most of us this sounds heavenly, but time and again we discover the pathway to tranquility in our world is beyond our grasp. Because of human pride, we have the tendency to hide our true feelings behind acting haughty, thinking we know it all, and being snobby by shutting people out. Some work hard to present themselves as having it all together; but deceive themselves by becoming wise in their own conceits. As we lift up ourselves and look down on others, we lose the opportunity to check on our own hearts and discover who we really are. To escape this prideful trap, the Lord tells us to humble ourselves…. which means we must recognize we always, all the time, need God to be part of every area of our lives. When our focus is on Him, the One that promises to help us through life, step by step; we will come to terms with our need to choose humility. Then with humble dependence on Jesus, we will be given the grace and favor to learn how to serve and live at peace with others, as far as it depends on us. God’s desire is to bestow and fill us with His forbearing, patient, long-suffering, forgiving, tolerant Spirit towards all.

“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [snobbish, high-minded, exclusive], but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12: 16, 18).