Romans 12

I have been at Cornerstone Church for almost 30 months now, It has been an incredible journey so far.  My intention and hope is to be here for years to come to grow together with you as the people of God, as the people of Jesus.  You see, Jesus saved us to be people for his own possession (Titus 2:14). Being the people of God means that we live in relationship as a community.  This brings me to our reading in Romans today.  Romans 12 is my favorite passage to ask people to read when it comes to interpersonal relationships, especially when there is conflict.  This chapter explains so much about how to live together as the People of Christ.  Probably my most quoted section of this chapter since I have been here (and my 23 years at Grace church before this) is verses 16-18:

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

The underlined portion is what I have quoted most.  Jesus said in Matt. 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” To pursue and live in peace with one another is the epitome of what it means to be a Christian.  To refuse or avoid peace is the opposite of what God calls us to be and do.  So, I ask you: for your sake, for Cornerstone Church’s sake, for the sake of the honor of God; pursue peace with those you are at odds with. It is not optional, it is an essential aspect to the Gospel.