“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”Ephesians 2:19.

A great deal of friction and enmity is generated by those who see themselves as superior to others-
– by virtue of their race, religion, or social status.

Such attitudes destroy peace between individuals, communities, and even nations.

The early church confronted this problem when it addressed the status of non-Jewish believers.

These Gentiles had been excluded from the commonwealth of Israel with all its privileges and covenants-
– so it was easy to view them as second-class citizens in the church despite their faith in Jesus.

Even after Pentecost and the outpouring of the Spirit-
– the old ways of thinking were hard to abandon.

The apostle Paul spoke to this very problem in Ephesus when he said:
“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” Eph. 2:13-14.

Today there continue to be many dividing walls between people.

Human nature is no different in the modern age than it was in the first century:
– power, pride, and privilege still dominate in the kingdom of darkness.

Unfortunately, many dividing walls also exist in the Christian community.

Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ is just as powerful today in “making the two into one new man, thus establishing peace.” v. 15.

It doesn’t matter what the barriers are.
We can overcome them by recognizing that we all have our access to the Father through the same Spirit. v. 18.

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“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
It’s very difficult to get along with everyone!
In fact-
– certain personalities just tend to clash!
But when someone in your life upsets you-
– what is the proper response?
If we are living in the Spirit-
– then our response should be one that demonstrates Christ’s love.
What if that person counters your love with more ugliness?
Proverbs 25:21-22 gives us further direction:
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
It’s the age-old concept of killing with kindness.
And if they still refuse to change their attitude?
Well, thankfully Paul gives us an escape clause of sorts in Romans 12:18-
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Paul understood that you can be gracious and loving all day long-
– but some people are a bit of a challenge!
Christ warned us that the world would hate us because of Him.
And Paul takes this into account in this passage.
Extend your olive branch!
And if you are scorned in return-
– you know you’ve done your part.
Think of someone with whom you are not in good terms.
Pray that God would provide an opportunity to actively love them, as well as soften their heart to allow you to live at peace together.
(PR)

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