Do you know what your part in conflict might be? Romans 12

Romans 12:18 (NASBStr)

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

In A.D. 70 the Roman government turned its wrath on Christians living in the city of Rome and within the Roman Empire.   Nero would light the streets with the live bodies of the saints by taring them and putting on fire.   Jesus predicted that Jerusalem would fall in this time frame.   Christians became the sought and the focus of all evil things a man can do to another.   The book of Romans was written to Christian living in Rome just prior to this persecution.   Paul's emphasis in the book was to encourage the Roman Christians to not think of themselves too much higher than Jewish Christians.  He wanted them to know that they were all in Christ and saved through Christ.   In the above verse Paul gives them a command, that as believers living in an ungodly world, do what you can to live at peace with others.   In fact, when Jesus predicted the fall of Jerusalem he told them to "flee to the mountains" and desert the city.   Many Christians were saved as a result of Jesus' prophetic utterances and instructions.   Here, Paul is telling the believers that in regard to conflict, our responsibility is to do our part.   The part that depends on us is to remain at peace with others.  It does not mean that we won't be in conflict.  It does not mean that others won't be in conflict with us.   But, it does say, when you are in conflict, make sure it is not YOU who is the catalyst or the fuel.    In a sinful world conflict is a matter of fact.   Paul is telling his audience that when it comes to those who become your enemies, by their choice, don't be the fuel to make it continue.   When Jesus was reviled He did not revile back.   When Jesus was ridiculed He did not rely on His wit and sarcasm to belittle others.   He did show righteous anger when He turned the money tables over in the temple.  He did show righteous criticism when He called the religious leaders of the day "white washed tombs."    But, if you study His life, Jesus conveyed a desire to live at peace with others.   The God of Peace who gives us peace (Romans 5:1) asks that we remain in peace with others as much as it depends on us.