How to Live Peacefully with People of Different Values and Opinions

 

Man was made in the image and likeness of God, but despite this, we all have different values, opinions and believe systems that affect our behaviour and relationship with one another. To live with each other without conflict is inevitable and it requires that you are intentional and resilient. God's plan for us is to the end that we learn to accommodate each other in all things. The Bible in Romans 12-18 says that "if it is possible, as much as you can, live peaceably with all men". This means that you should learn to deal with differences as they come by allowing the fruit of the spirit to dwell richly in you, for "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God".

How then are we meant to ensure peace in our everyday life?

1. Inner Peace

Your Inner peace is very important because it helps you mentally and emotionally. This extends to physical activities. As believers, we know that we are justified by faith, and we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. That knowledge makes us understand that troubles may come and that we could be faced with diverse things that can keep a man down and discourage him; but thanks be to God, for our peace does not come from no one but him. The Bible again in John 14-27 assures use that Christ has given us peace and that we should not be troubled or afraid at heart.” 

This assurance confirms that since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Being in Christ automatically grants us this peace from inside (which shows on the outside too), for in Him we draw strength and are comforted in our time of need.

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2. Love

Love is the greatest of all. It possesses the power to encourage, motivate and brighten your day. God's greatest commandment to us is to Love, and this is because he knows that the sustainability of the human race is highly dependent on that. Imagine a world without love, it would be filled with so much hatred and coarse which would definitely results into wars.

We must note that if at all we want to be successful, there is a need to adequately develop a healthy relationship with others, to love them at all cost and respect them. To win a man over to you side starts by first accepting who he is, this would definitely serve as a ground for him to pay attention to you and what you have to offer. Exercising control over people, without stopping to consider their own point of view would eventually lead to conflict and strife. 1 Cor 13:4-8 " love is patient, love is kind..." It would cost much, as it would require you to put others first before you, but it is the right we to live a peaceful life without paying much attention on people's faults and differences.

3. Patience and Tolerance

No one goes through life without being offended or wronged. Whenever this happens, it's important for us to take a quick pause to rethink and respond in the best possible way (peacefully)  instead of reacting on the spot with anger. Ecclesiastes 7:9 "Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger rests in the bosom of fools".

Anger does more damage than good. To live peacefully with ourselves we must learn to control our anger as they come.

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4. Live a Joyful Life

This is a decision that we need to make and pray for. The world we are in has a lot to offer that can help bring discouragement, discomforts and depression into a man's heart. As believers we must choose to be cheerful at all times. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A merry heart works good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones." Making the decision to remain cheerful and to see the world as a wondrous and amazing place to live in is one of the best decision a man can ever make.

Our testimony should be according to God's word in 2nd Corinthians 4:8-9 which says we may be troubled on every side but we are not distressed; we may be perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed to the glory of God the father. So as a Christian, you must learn to imbibe joy in your everyday life (Psalm 144:15.)

5. Forgive

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" Romans 12:19. It is not for us to seek revenge against past hurt, but for God to Judge every man according to his works (romans2:6). Keeping past hurt results to conflict within oneself which is also referred to as interpersonal conflict. This kind of conflict ensures lack of peace. Past wrongs are not meant to be recorded and kept in an archive, it only creates negativity in our minds, and this is not a healthy way of living.

God keeps no record of wrongs 1cor13:5, even though we are sinners and each time we repent from our sins he forgives, so how much we towards others. Remember we are to live like Christ. Forgiveness is important as it is a key to make peace with your past and give yourself a chance to enjoy life.

Living a Peaceful life starts with You, and through you it spreads out to the whole world.

 

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