Taking Responsibility For Your Part

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

October 26th Sermon, Day 2

"It takes two to tango," we often say when conflicts arise. While this might be true, it can also become an excuse for inaction. We wait for the other person to make the first move, to apologize first, or to change their attitude. Meanwhile, relationships remain broken and peace stays elusive.

The Apostle Paul gives us a different approach. He challenges us to take responsibility for our part in pursuing peace, regardless of what others do. This doesn't mean we're responsible for every conflict or that we should accept abuse. Rather, it means we focus on what we can control—our own attitudes, words, and actions.

Taking responsibility might look like being the first to apologize when we've been wrong, even if the other person was wrong too. It might mean choosing to forgive someone who hasn't asked for forgiveness. It could involve having a difficult conversation we've been avoiding or admitting we don't understand someone's perspective. This approach requires humility—perhaps the hardest virtue to cultivate. Our pride wants to keep score, to make sure we're not giving more than we're getting.

But peacemaking isn't about fairness; it's about faithfulness to Jesus' example. He didn't wait for us to get our act together before He pursued peace with us. When we take responsibility for our part, we often discover that others are more willing to take responsibility for theirs. Even when they're not, we can rest knowing we've been obedient to God's call on our lives.

Bible Verse

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." - Romans 12:18

Reflection Question

Is there a relationship in your life where you've been waiting for the other person to make the first move toward peace? What step could you take today to pursue reconciliation?

Quote Peacemakers don't control the outcomes. We only control our own obedience to Jesus Christ, who asks us to be peacemakers.

Prayer

Father, give me the humility to take responsibility for my part in conflicts. Help me to focus on what I can control rather than what others should do. Make me a person who pursues peace actively. Amen.