Beautiful Word Devotional #172

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Romans 14:19

We live in a divided world—divided by opinions, economics, race, religion, politics, and more. There doesn’t seem to be room for healthy discussion or kind disagreement. Issues seem reduced to “You’re for me or against me,” with very little in between.

Paul encouraged believers here to make every effort to be peacemakers who are deeply concerned about the feelings and thoughts of others. This is a diplomatic call—a wooing toward kindness and compassion in the way we interact with people who differ from us.

Remember, the person holding the opinion is still just a person who longs to be understood, validated, and loved. That person is more than his or her opinion. When you serve as a peacemaker—and all of us are to do so—listen with a desire to understand rather than be understood. Choose to be like Jesus.

Lord, I want to treat people as people, not as opinions. Use me as a peacemaker today, amen.