As far as it depends on you

One of the quiet challenges of peacemaking is accepting that not everyone will respond well, no matter how faithfully you act. Scripture prepares us for this reality. God never promises that obedience will always lead to agreement, only that it will honour him.

A friend who is a police officer recently shared an experience from a tense protest. Many protestors arrived angry and confrontational, and emotions ran high. As the crowd dispersed, her team escorted people safely across the road. My friend made a simple but profound choice. She responded intentionally, offering a genuine smile, thanking people for their cooperation, and wishing them a good day.

For many, the effect was remarkable. Hardened faces softened, sharp words faded, and hostility melted away.

Not everyone changed. Some remained angry to the end. In that moment, my friend recognised an important truth. She could not control their reactions, only her own obedience. She continued to speak with warmth and respect and walked away feeling lighter, encouraged, and at peace.

Jesus calls us to bless those who curse us, not because it guarantees reconciliation, but because it reflects his heart. 

“Bless those you curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”Luke 6:28

Paul urges us to guard our tongues, choosing words that build up, extend kindness, and reflect the forgiveness we have received in Christ (Ephesians 4:29–32).

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”Ephesians 4:29

This is the heart of being prepared for unreasonable people. God measures faithfulness, not outcomes. As Romans 12:18 reminds us, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. When you do, regardless of the other person’s response, you can walk away at peace, trusting that God sees your obedience and holds the outcome securely in his hands.

This devotion was written by Ginny Png. Ginny is the Administration and Communications Officer for PeaceWise. Ginny and her husband Reuben spent ten years in Singapore, where they had their three children, before moving back to Australia in 2021. She now lives in the Hills area of Sydney and worships at Parramatta Baptist Church with her family.