“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” — Romans 12:18 (NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
The world we live in is broken — filled with wounded people, complex situations, and strained relationships. Daily, we are confronted with the reality that living peaceably with everyone is not easy. Some people seem almost impossible to deal with; some situations appear designed to drain our strength.
Yet, as believers — especially as members of The Church of Pentecost, called to possess the nations as agents of transformation — we are mandated by God to shine as peacemakers in the midst of this darkness.
Romans 12:18 calls us to live peaceably with all, if it is possible, as much as depends on us. It acknowledges that peace is sometimes difficult — but it charges us to do our part faithfully. As we embrace the 2025 vision of being unleashed to live lives worthy of our calling, this demand becomes even more urgent. Our calling is not just to survive difficult people and situations, but to transform them through our Spirit-led responses and actions.
WHY DO DIFFICULT PEOPLE AND SITUATIONS EXIST?
Difficult people and situations exist because of the brokenness of humanity and the diversity of temperaments. No two people are the same. Drawing from Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah’s work Are Two Persons the Same?: How to Overcome Your Weaknesses in Temperament, we understand that people are wired differently — each with strengths and weaknesses that can either complement or clash with others.
Personality differences, past wounds, spiritual immaturity, and even satanic influences can contribute to human difficulty. Sometimes, a person’s actions are not rooted in malice but in unresolved personal struggles. Recognising this reality helps us approach others with greater patience and humility.
Moreover, difficult situations arise because we live in a fallen world where sin has corrupted human relationships. Challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for spiritual growth and for showcasing the transformative power of Christ.
LIVING OUT PENTECOSTAL ETHICS IN A DIFFICULT WORLD
As Pentecostals, our ethics are shaped by our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Spirit-empowered living demands that we embody values such as love, patience, humility, and forgiveness — not only when it is easy, but especially when it is hard. Our ethics must not only be preached but practiced, particularly in the heat of conflict.
When faced with difficult people, we lean on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), allowing divine love, joy, peace, and self-control to guide our responses and actions. We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), correcting when necessary, but always with grace and redemption in mind (2 Timothy 2:24–26). Forgiveness must flow freely from us — not because it is deserved, but because it reflects the abundant mercy we have received in Christ (Matthew 18:21–22).
Guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) becomes crucial; we must avoid allowing offense, bitterness, or resentment to take root. Every difficult encounter is an opportunity for the Spirit to deepen His work within us, refining our character and making us true agents of transformation.
HANDLING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS WITH SPIRIT-LED WISDOM
Before reacting to any situation, the Pentecostal believer must pray, seeking divine wisdom (James 1:5). Prayer aligns our emotions with God’s purposes, enabling us to respond rather than react. James 1:19–20 further instructs us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger — essential principles when navigating volatile circumstances.
Maintaining integrity under pressure is a non-negotiable part of living a life worthy of our calling. Like Daniel, who stood firm in a hostile environment, we too must remain faithful to God’s standards, even when it costs us personally. Integrity is a testimony louder than any sermon.
FULFILLING ROMANS 12:18: OUR CALLING AS AGENTS OF TRANSFORMATION
Romans 12:18 reminds us that peace will not always be achievable, but striving for peace is always our responsibility. As agents of transformation, we model a new way of living — one that is not dictated by the actions of others, but by the Spirit of God within us.
Our peaceful living becomes a testimony, proving that the gospel is not a mere theory but a reality that changes hearts and communities. By refusing to retaliate (Romans 12:19), we entrust justice to God, freeing ourselves from the burden of vengeance and allowing His righteousness to prevail.
CONCLUSION: A SPIRIT-EMPOWERED LIFE WORTHY OF THE CALLING
Beloved, difficult people and situations are part of the world we are sent to transform. They are not interruptions to our calling; they are the very field of our ministry. In this season, as we are unleashed to live lives worthy of our calling, may we allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to handle challenges with love, wisdom, and unwavering integrity.
Let us rise as true Pentecostals — Spirit-filled, ethically grounded, and transformational — living out Romans 12:18 and bringing the peace of Christ to a restless world.
May our lives glorify God, possess the nations, and leave a legacy of transformation wherever we go.
Amen.
Written by Elder Emmanuel Keku, USA
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