Freely Speaking Audio Devotion
Marge Webb, Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.
Today’s devotion was written by Marge Webb.
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18 NIV).
Have you ever been in church and the pastor is humming along with his sermon when he suddenly looks at you and makes an emphatic point? As if the whole spiritual truth of the sermon is focused on a nugget that penetrates right into your heart and brain?
One such Sunday, Pastor Scott seemed to ask me, "Do you want to be right, or do you want to have peace?"
That phrase hit me hard. In our 45-year marriage, my husband and I have had many battles trying to prove who is right. And the topic of most of those "discussions" revolved around finances.
Paul encourages peaceable living in his letter to Christ's followers in Rome. When he says, "as far as it depends on you," Paul understands that, at times, we can only do so much, and it depends on other people to help bring peace.
Early in our marriage, my husband made one financial decision that proved to be amazingly wise. We traveled to a beautiful resort in nearby Arkansas and stayed two nights for "free." All we had to do was listen to a two-hour presentation about time-sharing. Right away, Jeff found the catch. In addition to the nearly $400 vacation cost, the yearly maintenance fee was $400 per week if you only stayed one week per year. We walked away.
Interestingly, Jesus was involved in some conflicts involving money. He threw money changers out of the temple, reminding religious leaders that it was a house of worship, not a department store. Jesus chastised Judas, who worried about Mary pouring expensive oil on His feet. His parables often mentioned money, such as the pearl of great price and the unmerciful servant.
Reflect on the words from our key verse today, the need to be right is much less important than living at peace.
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