Romans 12: 18; Heb. 12:14

Text:  “As much as possible; follow peace”

Introduction:
    Thank God for last week
    Many things learnt
    Yet several people were absent
    It is still important to remind ourselves of salient points
The Word of God is the major factor to live in peace in the Home, and then abiding by simple rules of peace

The Word
“If it is possible,” The believer is to live at peace with everyone.  However, it is not always possible, especially in the world today.  Some persons are troublemakers: grumblers, complainers, dissenters, splitters, fighters, ego-hunters, self-centered leaders, image-seekers, power-builders, warmongers.  Some persons have no interest in living at peace with the believer.
Please, note two significant points that need to be carefully considered and thought through by every one of us:
1.    The cause of conflict must not arise from a sincere believer.  He is to try everything possible to bring about peace and to keep peace.
2.    The governing principle for the believer is clear:  “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” Rm 12:21
The great duty of the believer is to make every effort to pursue peace and holiness.  The words “make every effort to pursue” means to run after, chase after, press after. It has the idea of swiftness and endurance.
    The believer is to live at peace with all men.  The believer is to work for it as much peace as possible.  Some level of harmony and concord can be achieved at least some of the time.  The believer is never to give up, not as long as there is hope for some degree of peace.  He is to achieve as much peace as possible.  However remember, peace is not always possible not with everyone, especially outside the home.
    The cause of conflict must not arise from a sincere believer. He is to try everything possible to bring about peace and to keep peace, hence the reason for us to understand the principles of conflict-resolution
Applying this biblical instruction to Peace In the Home. What d you and I need to know and do?
    It is unfortunate that we are already living in lying and deceiving days (e.g a spouse deceives, can leave home for unknown destination, can cheat, can be unfaithful, etc)
    We must remind ourselves of the ultimate-seeing God (both now and in eternity) Hence the need to obey this instruction “Follow Peace with all men” (esp. your spouse) and then, “as much as possible…” That is, you must seek to do your acceptable best.

Conclusion:
    Check the Pastoral Word on 'Nuggets For Peace In The (Christian) Home' on this website
    Read literatures (Share other people’s views)
    Relate well with people (Be exposed in the right ways)
    Be a responsible spouse (Share responsibilities)
    Live by the Word of God (Not enough to read)
    Remain faithful to God and to your spouse (The Lord watches)
    Fulfill your conjugal responsibilities (Not only sex please)
    Let the glory of God be your goal