If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.–Romans 12:18
I recently read a message delivered in 1898 entitled “Getting Along With People”. Although the message was interesting, I was most impressed with the practicality of the Bible. The message didn’t say anything new, but it was a great reminder— something we all need. We would do well to remember that the Bible, more than anything else, gives us practical instructions on everyday issues.
Think about it. To this very day, after all these years, getting along with others is still one of our biggest challenges. As someone said, ” The world would be a pretty good place to live if wasn’t for people”. I’m sure you have felt that way sometimes. Regardless of where you go or what you do, you have to deal with people– all kinds of people. Sometimes we don’t do it very well. And that comes with a high price tag. Think of all the misery brought on by our inability to get along with others. It results in families being divided, churches being split, crimes being committed, and nations going to war. Yeah it’s that bad!
Strange, we can put a man on the moon and communicate with them, but haven’t learned how to get along with our next door neighbor. We need help. And that’s exactly what the Bible provides. It gives us precepts, principles, and promises to live by. We fail because we refuse to adhere to them. The bottom line is this– we will never truly be in touch with one another until we are in fellowship with Christ. Not until we love Him are we able to love one another.
There are many books and seminars, etc. on this subject, offering good advice, but in the heat of an argument, or in the face of an insult you can usually throw them out the window. When raw emotions take over we usually say and do dumb things. The only way we can respond to adversity properly and treat others respectfully is to be regulated by the Word of God and in fellowship with the Son of God. That’s the key to everything! Wanting a better relationship with others, without having a good relationship with God, is like hoping for water when there is no well. Christ is the source for everything we need. Neglect Him and everything unravels. Take time to read Eph. 4:29-32 and you will discover what it takes to get along with others. Please do it.
