Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR
Romans 12:18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Life, in its truest sense, is like the symbol of the Cross—one beam reaching upward, reminding us to live in obedience and surrender to God’s will, and the other stretching outward, calling us to walk in harmony with others. It’s a powerful image that captures the balance of spiritual devotion and human relationships.
We are reminded in Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” This is not just a suggestion; it’s a call to rise above personal comfort and lean into character demands.
But here’s the truth: living peaceably in a world dominated by selfish ambition, broken trust, and hardened hearts is no easy task. People will misunderstand you. Some will take advantage of your kindness. Others may never appreciate your efforts. And yet, the call remains—strive for peace.
This is where character matters more than comfort. It takes maturity to stay calm when provoked, humility to forgive when wronged, and patience to wait on change when everything around you feels stubborn. Everyone is on a different journey. Not all hearts are soft. Not all wounds are healed. And not every person is easy to walk with. But peace doesn’t begin with them—it begins with you.
Choosing peace doesn’t mean tolerating abuse or losing your voice. It means choosing to act from love rather than anger, from wisdom rather than impulse. It’s understanding that not all battles are yours to fight and that some things are best surrendered to time and to God.
The story of humanity has always been complex. Even God Himself, in the early pages of Scripture, expressed sorrow over the state of mankind. But he didn’t abandon us. He extended grace. That’s our example.
So today, choose the higher path. Don’t let the hardness of the world harden you. Stand for truth, but stand in peace. Bear with one another, knowing nothing is forever—offenses fade, people change, and grace transforms.
Live the cross-shaped life. Be faithful to God above, and kind to those beside you. That’s where true peace begins. Indeed, character Above Comfort, and we must strive to choose peace amid human imperfection.
Courtesy of MEFoundation