Here, the writer exhorts us to work towards holiness. One way to do that is to strive to live in harmony with others. The emphasis is on our hearts: striving for holiness. We cannot control how others will behave towards us. They may treat us poorly. But one indication of a redeemed life is our striving for reconciliation. If we do not show a pattern of striving to live as Jesus lived, our salvation is in question. It's not that such striving earns us God's saving approval. That notion clearly contradicts other teachings of scripture. What the writer must mean is that such striving is evidence of salvation, not the means of it. Lack of evidence means lack of salvation. He warns us to be careful and always cultivate holy behavior.
1. Think of a conflict you've had with someone recently. How did you reconcile it?
2. What did you feel towards that person during the conflict? Do you think that's how Jesus feels towards you?
3. What can you do to live peaceably with others in the future?
-- Charlie
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment