Text: Romans 12:17-21
Memory text:
“Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Psalms 34:14 NKJV
In a bustling market, a man named Lian was known for his sharp tongue. Quick to insult and eager to criticize, he wielded words like weapons, cutting anyone who crossed his path. His barbs earned him a reputation, and people began avoiding him, muttering warnings to their children: “Beware of the man who poisons with his tongue.”
One day, Lian insulted a quiet stranger, mocking his clothing and belittling his stature. The stranger looked at him calmly and said, “Be careful. Words can do more harm than you realize, especially to the one who speaks them.”
Scoffing, Lian dismissed the warning. But over time, his bitterness seeped into every corner of his life. He lost friends, family distanced themselves, and his constant anger aged him prematurely. The poison of his own words began to take its toll, and before long, Lian’s health deteriorated. On his deathbed, alone and regretful, he muttered weakly, “I killed myself with my own tongue.”
This story reinforces another factor of a long and good life, according to our key text in Psalms 34:12-14, which is to ‘seek peace and pursue it’.
To find peace in oneself and with others, one must find peace with God. This comes only through Jesus (Rom 5:1; Eph 2:13). No one can have peace with others without first having peace in himself. Being in Christ makes every believer a peace ambassador. We are called to be at peace with everyone within the limits of God’s grace available to an individual. We are called to seek peace, even where it’s not found and to pursue it (Rom 12:18; Rom 12:14). The most desirable things are not usually the easiest to be obtained. Even when it escapes our grip and flees, we must run after it.
Living a life of peace, spirituality, mentally and physically will promote a longer, healthier life. Whereas quarrel, wrath, anger, clamor, malice, conflict, resentment, and negativity take a toll on the body, mind, and relationships. It will lead to various issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immunity, and loneliness. “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.” (Prov 17:22 GNT).
An unknown speaker also said, “Bitterness and strife eat at the soul like rust on iron.”
Friends, a quarrelsome habit is like poison, which slowly kills its victims.
Do you desire to live long and live a good life? Choose to live in peace, seek it, and pursue it.
Prayer points
1. I renounce the quarrelsome spirit, and I embrace the spirit of peace in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, please, I receive grace to always pursue peace in every relationship in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I avoid contention and bitterness lest they eat up my soul like rust on iron.
2. I will do all that I can to live in peace with everyone.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng