Topical Bible: Christian Conduct: Living Peaceably With All

Bible > Topical > Christian Conduct

◄ Christian Conduct: Living Peaceably With All ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of living peaceably with all is a fundamental aspect of Christian conduct, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. This principle emphasizes the importance of harmony, understanding, and love in interactions with others, reflecting the character of Christ in daily life.

Biblical Foundation

The call to live peaceably is explicitly stated in Romans 12:18, where the Apostle Paul exhorts believers: "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse acknowledges the challenges that may arise in relationships but encourages Christians to strive for peace as far as it depends on them. The pursuit of peace is not merely a passive stance but an active endeavor to foster reconciliation and understanding.

Jesus' Teachings on Peace

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, set the ultimate example for living peaceably. In the Beatitudes, He declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). This statement underscores the blessedness and divine approval of those who actively seek to create peace. Jesus' life and ministry were marked by efforts to break down barriers and bring people together, demonstrating that peace is integral to the Kingdom of God.

The Role of Love and Forgiveness

Central to living peaceably is the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31). Love is the foundation upon which peace is built, as it compels believers to act with kindness, patience, and humility. Furthermore, forgiveness plays a crucial role in maintaining peace. Ephesians 4:32 instructs, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Forgiveness releases the burden of resentment and paves the way for restored relationships.

Practical Application

Living peaceably involves practical steps that believers can take in their daily lives. This includes controlling one's tongue, as advised in James 1:19: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." By listening more and speaking less, Christians can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. Additionally, seeking reconciliation when disputes arise is vital, as Matthew 5:23-24 encourages believers to be reconciled with others before offering their gifts at the altar.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live peaceably by producing the fruit of peace within them (Galatians 5:22). Through the Spirit's guidance, Christians can overcome natural inclinations toward discord and instead exhibit the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The Spirit also provides wisdom and discernment in navigating complex relationships and situations.

Challenges and Perseverance

While the call to live peaceably is clear, it is not without challenges. Christians may encounter hostility, persecution, or misunderstandings. However, 1 Peter 3:9 encourages believers not to repay evil with evil but to bless others, knowing that they were called to inherit a blessing. Perseverance in peace is a testament to one's faith and trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.

Community and Witness

Living peaceably is not only a personal endeavor but also a communal one. The church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a beacon of peace in a fractured world. John 13:35 states, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." The unity and peace within the Christian community serve as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

In summary, living peaceably with all is a vital aspect of Christian conduct, rooted in love, forgiveness, and the example of Christ. It requires intentional effort, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to embodying the peace of God in every interaction.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Connection of the Christian virtues.
... Chapter IX."The Connection of the Christian Virtues. ... as much as lieth in you, living
peaceably with all ... 2255] accomplished in good habits of conduct, but the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ix the connection of the.htm

Letter iii. True Religion a Work of Grace in the Heart; but it ...
... and my flesh crieth out for the living God:" "My ... But the Christian becomes reconciled
to God through Christ. ... in our hearts will manifest itself in our conduct. ...
/.../letter iii true religion a.htm

A More Particular view of the Several Branches of the Christian ...
... to look with an indifferent eye on the conduct of others ... Rom.6:13) and present my
body a living sacrifice, holy ... man, (1:Cor.14:13) and like a Christian, in the ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xiv a more particular.htm

The Great Reservoir
... be wrong, it is better to alter the principles upon which his conduct is modeled ...
soul as that, and that is the man from whom the living waters shall ... Christian! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the great reservoir.htm

The Great Reservoir
... be wrong, it is better to alter the principles upon which his conduct is modeled ...
soul as that, and that is the man from whom the living waters shall ... Christian! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the great reservoir.htm

Meanwhile a Somewhat Embarrassing Interview had Taken Place ...
... of fastidious feeding and luxurious living, had managed ... eccentric?" he suggested,
smiling amicably,"conduct of the ... The very idea of rank is anti-Christian.". ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/iii meanwhile a somewhat embarrassing.htm

The Divine Power Shown in Christ's Incarnation Meaning of St. ...
... although in the flesh"even by not living in the ... on the substance of the flesh, but
on its conduct. ... repay, saith the Lord." [5884] "Live peaceably with all men ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiv the divine power shown.htm

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... it is pleasant to witness the Christian disposition he ... from the responsibility of
their conduct, and kept ... in a healthy state, and presented a living example of ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

Lovely to a Poet or an Artist's Eye is the Unevenly-Built and ...
... the bold and blasphemous laxity of modern Christian customs, it ... warrant for such
a rule of conduct; and chief ... The days of noble living are past,"and we are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/ii lovely to a poet.htm

Sunday after Ascension Day
... 8. Had we no other incentive to abandon our intemperate living, the scandalous ... Thus
he teaches that the Christian's whole external conduct should be ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after ascension day.htm