Hebrews 12:14
Work at living in peace with everyone...
How do you follow peace? The Bible tells us to work AT living in peace with everyone. But sometimes people act a pure fool, hurt our feelings, and do us much wrong; and sometimes we want to declare WAR! Should we be wimps and let people run all over us? No! But, we have to make sure that we handle things in love and never intentionally try to get back at people -- no matter how bad they do us; we must always deal with them in love.
God never desires us to fight our own battles or punish people for their actions - He will handle that!!! But there is something about following peace that automatically punishes people for their wrongdoings.
Remember when you were young, and there was always a popular person in school; someone that you liked haning out with because they made you feel protected or special? You could get people's attention if you were seen with that person or people would think better of you -- and no one would dare give you a hard time because they knew that this person would have your back! Well, imagine hanging out with "Peace" like that.
Imagine if "Peace" was a special person. Imagine following this person around everywhere they go. People will start reacting differently and treating you with more respect AND wanting your company. People will look at you walking with and in "peace" and know that you ARE special. Even when everyone and everything around you is in turmoil, if you are following "Peace", people will follow you; AND you would not have to worry about getting back at people or people bothering you because "Peace" WILL have your back!
Follow "Peace" and you will also be followed BY peace instead of agitation, distress, frustration, worry and trouble. Peace is the One and His name is Jesus! "And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) Amen.