Vol. 19 No. 51 | December 24, 2017
Peace on earth. Good will toward men.
This year, let’s do it! Let’s make these words more than a line out of the Christmas story. This year, let’s bring those words to life.
When you have decked all the halls you can deck and jingled all the bells you can jingle, why not make a commitment to bring peace on earth and good will toward men.
It’s not as difficult as it sounds. A good place to start would be to read these words from Romans. In fact, you might try reading them two are three times.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:17-19, NIV)
Now, try:
When someone does something bad to you, let it go. If it is truly evil, do not repay it with another evil. Instead of revenge, choose forgiveness.
Just do what is right. Plain and simple. Of course there will be times when you can’t please everyone. But as much as possible, do what is right by everyone. It makes sense that if you are doing what is right, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll please most of the people most of the time.
Live at peace with everyone. You can see how the three overlap with one another. If you let go of evil when it is done to you and do what is right, you are more likely going to be at peace with those around you.
Don’t wait until the new year begins, and don’t limit it to three weeks in December. Bring these words to life, start today, and let there be peace on earth by showing good will toward men.
It begins with you.
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2017 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved