The Peaceful Love of God | Romans 12:18-21

Introduction: The Christian can expect hostility from the unbelieving world. Fallen man is at enmity with God, is hostile in mind toward God, does not submit to the law of God and cannot submit to God’s law. The result is a world full of hostility, selfishness, hatred, sinful treatment of others, just in general terms. It is no wonder that in that hostile world there is a special kind of hostility toward those who represent Christ, the true God, and the truth of the word of God. The message of God’s word is intolerable to fallen man. The presence of God’s people, if they live out that word, if they live out their faith openly, will be equally unwelcome. That hostility, however, is never to be returned by the Christian. In response to hatred, the Christian loves. In response to evil, the Christian considers how to demonstrate what is good, what is beautiful in the sight of all people. That’s what we are examining in these verses. We are looking at how the love of God responds to the hostility of the world. Review: This morning we saw the Christian principle of non-retaliation. We saw that: • LOVE RETURNS GOOD FOR EVIL (v.17) • IN NO CASE DO WE PAY BACK EVIL FOR EVIL • WE ARE TO CONSIDER WHAT IS A GOOD TESTIMONY Tonight, we see that principle expanded. Lesson: • LOVE PURSUES PEACE WITH ALL PEOPLE (v.18) The reason for non-retaliation is not just love for God and love for people; it is a God taught desire for peace. God’s people are peacemakers. ESV Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Mat 5:9 ESV) ESV Romans 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Rom 14:19 ESV) God’s wisdom is characterized by peace. ESV James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (Jam 3:13 ESV) Earthly wisdom, demonic wisdom, bears the fruit of sinful conflict. It is the conflict motivated by selfishness. It is the conflict found in the realm of evil.