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Pursue peace with all  people,  and holiness,  without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

Humans can be very annoying, but we are encouraged to pursue peace with everyone, whether or not they like us & whether or not they have offended us. Pursuit is an active thing taking place. It is not passive. It doesn’t mean we must make people be at peace with us, but it does mean we must at least try.

I’m reminded of what Corrie Ten Boom said to herself when confronted by her tormentor from the German concentration camp. He had given his life to Jesus and was now seeking her forgiveness, although he did not even remember her. She, however, certainly remembered him. When he reached for a hand shake, she remembered that forgiveness is an act of the will and not an emotion. “Jesus, help me!” she prayed. “I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.” (Eric Metaxas, 7 Women: And The Secret Of Their Greatness).

With peace we are to also pursue holiness. That means we do not live a sloppy life. It requires us to move in the direction God is in, away from unholy things. Living in holiness does not just happen on its own. The Bible says without holiness no one will see the Lord. This leaves us with a task to align our lives with the holiness of God. As we take action, God will direct us  and will show us how best to deal with each of our relationships.

To build relationships with people, first build your relationship with God. – Eruore Oboh