Before the sun goes down

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18)

A serious question – one word, seemingly in jest, leads to another. Suddenly one is peeved. Even when one doesn't see the error of one's words, one apologizes. What if nothing comes thereafter?

I experienced such a situation today and it distressed me. The Bible instructs us often not to insist on our own rights. To live peaceably with all, forgive and ask forgiveness, that should be our daily lifestyle.

I was reminded of Matthew 10:14 ''And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.'' Does that apply here? Does it also apply when the other person is not irrelevant to you? I hovered between being sad and peeved.

It is not always so easy to love another brother unconditionally. It is already dark outside, the sun has gone down. And still there is something lingering between us, actually something small, and yet there is no peace.

What remains apart from praying and asking God to restore peace, to bring calmness, with His Spirit of peace.

How is it with you today? Is your heart pure? Have you put to rest every strife? Are you at peace with everybody? - Or is there something that still needs to be brought to rest, where you need to speak a clear word, where you need to put peace before pride?

I wish you a blessed day, in which you have cleared everything.

Rainer Gigerich