By Divisive, arrogant, scornful, conceited, spiteful, thoughtless, vindictive are all descriptions of the ungodly. In contrast, the Proverbs of the New Testament, Romans 12, calls Christians to be those characterised by harmony and peace. This is no clearer stated than in Romans 12:16-18
Live in harmony with one another.
Romans 12:16-18 (ESV)
Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
Never be wise in your own sight.
Repay no one evil for evil, but
give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
In a world of haters, complainers, and destroyers, we as Christians have a tough task paving the path to peace. The task itself is simple enough; it is the lack of helpers and the abundance of opponents that makes it tough. The call to us as Christians to be peacemakers is therefore important for our collective blessing as well as for the blessing that we bring to the world.
We pave the path to peace with the following opposites of the list that started this article.
Not divisive, but like-minded
“Live in harmony with one another.”
Not arrogant, but humble
“Do not be haughty,”
Not scornful, but empathetic
“but associate with the lowly.”
Not conceited, but agreeable
“Never be wise in your own sight.”
Not spiteful, but compassionate
“Repay no one evil for evil,”
Not thoughtless, but thoughtful
“but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”
Not vindictive, but purposeful
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Let us not forget the words of our Lord Jesus
Blessed are the peacemakers,
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
for they shall be called sons of God