A Sermon We’ll Never Hear - Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. - Romans 12:18

    I call this verse a foundational Christian doctrine that we will probably never hear expounded upon from any pulpit. I know I never have. But I could be wrong - I certainly have been in the past. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you . . . .” Exactly what is the apostle saying to us?
    Living peaceably with others is a broad-based command which runs throughout holy scripture. It harmonizes with the command to “turn the other cheek,” among others. Yet I see this conditional aspect of the command - “If it is possible . . . .” Why wouldn’t it be possible? Why wouldn’t living in peace under all circumstances involving interactions with others depend on us? Where in the world is Paul taking us?
    As usual, I have brought out a contentious verse in hopes of clearing up any confusion that exists regarding this line. So I paraphrase - “If it is possible, as much as depends on you . . . arrive at work on time.” Is there ever any real excuse (reason) for being late then? Is there any reason that will ever mitigate your tardiness? Let’s see: I was in my car and on the road with plenty of time to spare when . . . I was stalled in traffic due to an accident; I had a flat-tire; etc. No reasonable person would hold you liable for your lateness under either of those circumstances, nor should they. It would be unreasonable and unrealistic, as well as unfair to expect you to be on time . . . under those circumstances. Circumstance can be defined as a condition relevant to an action or event. So what circumstance could alter the possibility of us living in peace with others? What could possibly alter our intention to live peaceably with other men. What would peace depend upon? But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ - Ezekiel 33:6. The sword is coming yet we do nothing to defend against it?
    Nowhere in God’s word are we called upon to be punching bags or targets for those who would kill! In fact, we are called upon to defend the widow and the orphan. Are we to assume that the defense of our own lives is somehow excluded from consideration? When read  in context, I don’t think that we can extrapolate the command to voluntary self-destruction from any verse in the bible.
    Solomon, in the great wisdom granted to him by God, expressed the idea that sometimes conflict is simply unavoidable  - A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. - Ecclesiastes 3:8. To sit idly by when we know that conflict is inevitable is not only irresponsible but foolish. So should we seek confrontation? Conflict? A fight?  Of course not, and our referenced title verse declares that left to our own resources we should always seek peace. But we would be remiss were we to walk into all situations and circumstances with a blind eye.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16. May we always seek peace with all men but let us also understand that it may not always be possible.