Principles For Peacemaking

PRINCIPLES FOR PEACEMAKING

(Romans 12:14-21)

THEME: Whenever we are treated harshly or unjustly, our natural instinct is to retaliate; to hit

back, get even, give others a taste of their own medicine. But as living and holy sacrifices, we

are called by God to live countercultural lives and relate to the actions and emotions of

others in a totally and radically different way than the rest of the world does. Consequently,

God may use our Christlike reaction/response to those who are at odds with us to win them

to Christ. In vv. 14-21, Paul laid out a strategy to potentially win over our enemies to Christ.

He gave TEN STRATEGIES for turning enemies into friends.

1. BLESS YOUR ENEMY (v. 14)

2. IDENTIFY WITH YOUR ENEMY (v. 15)

3. BE IMPARTIAL TO YOUR ENEMY (v. 16a)

4. BE HUMBLE TOWARD YOUR ENEMY (v. 16b)

5. DON’T GET EVEN WITH YOUR ENEMY (v. 17a)

6. DO RIGHT BY YOUR ENEMY (v. 17b)

7. PURSUE PEACE WITH YOUR ENEMY (v. 18)

8. LET GOD AVENGE YOUR ENEMY (v. 19)

9. MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUR ENEMY (v. 20)

10. DO GOOD TO YOUR ENEMY (v. 21)