“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”
Acts 24:16
Do you have matters that seem to have loose ends? Things that seem unlikely to be mended or restored with others? Maybe a misunderstanding or misrepresentation that could not be made right, try as you might.
Paul didn’t cave before his accusers here in Acts. He stood firm knowing what he really did and did not do.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18
“If” it is possible.
Friend, it’s not always possible.
I wish that it were.
“As far as it depends on you”…it doesn’t all depend on you, but what does depend on you “is”your responsibility.
It is your responsibility before God.
Don’t let yourself off the hook too easily. Give 100 percent effort to live peaceably, knowing the result doesn’t rest solely on you.
This truth brings burden and relief at the same time.
What an amazing thing it would be if our efforts were all it took to bring about change and fix things. Oh if only we had the power to bring about changes in the hearts of others with mere words.
The God who does change hearts is always on the move. So, even though we can’t make a change in someone else, we can pray to the change-making God.
In your unmended, loose end situations, strive to be like Paul.
Stand with a clear conscience before God and man. Do all you can to take ownership of what you can, and trust God for the results. For the results depend on Him.
