Pursue Peace

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

This verse may not be as easy to apply as we think. What I'm saying is that, we may do our best to be at peace with others, but they may not return the favor; and the reason they might not has to do with those times we choose to live a holy, and proper life, before God. When we refuse to lie to get ahead or choose not to "go along in order to get along", that can lead to persecution. It may very well lead to being mocked for our faith (for doing the right thing). Hence, the pursuit of peace with all men now becomes difficult, as we must choose to be kind to those that are mocking, and persecuting, us. To pursue peace with all people means to pursue peace with those who would act as our enemy, especially when we are trying our best to live for the Lord. We must remember that people are not our enemies, but the devils use them as our enemies so that we forget who is really persecuting us; for we do not fight against flesh and blood, but our enemy is spiritual. If we are not careful we will allow ourself to become bitter over the fact that we are being persecuted, and do more harm for the cause of Christ (spreading the Gospel) than good. In the end, it also causes there to be a strain in our relationship with Jesus. He was the greatest example of what it looks like to pursue peace with all men. When He was reviled, he did not revile. When dealing with enemies, He loved them, and when they crucified Him, He prayed for their forgiveness (and He Himself forgave). It is easy to be at peace with those who are at peace with us. However, it's a different story when dealing with those who mock us for doing our best to live for God. Nonetheless, the same God who forgives, and gives grace to those who are against Him, is the same God who will enable us to be at peace with all people. The choice as to whether or not we give away or keep our personal peace or whether or not we'll be at peace with others is ultimately ours. For we already have the power, as born again believers, in us to accomplish this supernatural undertaking, the Holy Spirit.