Pursue what makes for peace
Paul on the active aim
Paul gives the Romans a clear aim amid their disputes: so then, let us pursue the things that make for peace, and the things by which we may build one another up. Two goals, joined: peace and edification. And the verb is active — pursue. Peace and mutual upbuilding do not just happen; they must be chased, prioritized, and worked for, especially where people are inclined to division over secondary matters.
Leaders set what a community pursues. Some, even unintentionally, pursue being right, winning the argument, asserting their preference — and leave a trail of division and torn-down people. Paul names a different target: actively pursue what makes for peace and what builds others up. Before acting or speaking in a disputed matter, the question becomes whether this makes for peace and builds up, or stirs division and tears down. A leader who relentlessly pursues peace and edification shapes a whole community toward both.
“Seek peace, and pursue it.”
— David, on pursuing peace — Psalm 34:14 (WEB)
Peace and mutual upbuilding must be actively pursued, not assumed. A leader sets what the community chases — being right, or peace and the building up of others.
“So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.”
Paul makes peace and edification a deliberate target. A leader formed here checks what he is actually pursuing in disputes. The inner work is wanting peace and others’ growth more than winning.
Before acting in a disputed matter, ask whether it makes for peace and builds up. Pursue reconciliation and edification as active goals. Shape the community toward what unites and strengthens, not what divides.
Leaders pursue being right and assert their preferences, leaving division in their wake. The blind spot is not noticing they are chasing vindication instead of peace.
In one current disagreement, deliberately pursue what makes for peace and builds up, rather than simply being proven right.
Some leaders, even unintentionally, pursue being right and winning the argument — and leave a trail of division. Paul names a different target: actively pursue peace and what builds others up.
What are you pursuing in your disagreements — being right, or peace and the building up of others?