As Far as it Depends on You.

Day 16 (Mar 7^th)

Romans 12:18 is one of those verses that sounds simple… until you try to live it.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18, NIV).

Let’s be honest: sometimes peace feels impossible. Some people are rude. Some situations are messy. Some friendships get tangled. And sometimes you’re doing fine—until someone says that thing, posts that comment, or brings up that old hurt again. Then your heart races, your thoughts speed up, and your voice starts to arm itself for Armageddon.

But notice what the writer of Romans doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “Make everyone like you.” He doesn’t say, “Fix every relationship by yourself.” He says, “As far as it depends on you.”

That means you can’t control other people’s choices… but you can control yours.

You can choose not to slap back.

You can choose not to spread the story.

You can choose not to add gasoline to the fire.

You can choose words that heal instead of words that hit.

This is where our theme fits: A resurrection-shaped voice is a voice of peace.

Jesus didn’t rise from the dead to turn you into a louder fighter. He rose to make you a different kind of person. He rose from the grave so his followers would be the “as far as it depends on us” type of people. Responsible, accountable, and ready to make peace at a moment's notice. Why? Because we follow the Prince of Peace.

Here’s a simple question for today: What depends on you right now?

Maybe it’s one text you need to send.

Maybe it’s one apology you’ve been avoiding.

Maybe it’s one conversation where you can lower the volume and raise the love.

Prayer: Jesus, You are alive. Put Your peace in my heart and Your peace in my mouth. Help me do what I can today. Make my voice a voice of peace. Amen.

Have a great day!

-Martin's Lutheran Church