Read Romans 12:9-21

In the 1970 movie, Love Story, Ali MacGraw’s character says the now famous line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.”  It seemed to fit in the movie (if you like that sort of thing) but frankly, it doesn’t sound to me as if it was good advice. It must not have clicked with John Lennon either because he quipped, “Love means having to say you’re sorry every 15 minutes.”    

Humility is required in order to live at peace with and be growing in love for one another. Paul writes in Romans 12:16, “Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be wise in your own sight.  Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

If we want to live in harmony with one another and if we want to live peaceably with all we need to do so with an attitude of humility that does not proudly argue or insist on what  we believe is right. It is a powerful picture of love to others when we humble ourselves before them because it shows that we don’t believe that we are the ultimate judge or authority on an issue or in a given situation. Peace and harmony in a relationship depends on us that we would extend forgiveness and take a step toward reconciliation even if we feel that we have been wronged.  This is true for marriage; in friendship and in the workplace.  

If we are going to live with a mission in our neighborhoods and workplaces with other believers, it is important that we are marked by a humble peace with others around us. The gospel reconciles us to God and makes us ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).  When we demonstrate a humble attitude that promotes peace with others the grace of God is shown in power to a watching world. 

Live with a Mission Today:  Is there someone that you are at odds with that you could approach in an attitude of humility to seek to reconcile the relationship?  How have you contributed to the rift in the relationship for which you can seek forgiveness?   In what ways can you demonstrate the love of Christ to them even if they are unrepentant?