Peace if Possible. Truth at All Costs

"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34).

Martin Luther, a 16th century leader in the Protestant Reformation, had to take stands for Jesus that could have potentially cost him his life. His mantra was this: "Peace if possible. Truth at all costs."

The apostle Paul said, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:18). However, your desire to have peace with people will sometimes be disrupted by your desire to have truth at all costs. You must continue to stand for truth, even if it brings a lack of peace. Or brings a sword.

Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). And his truth sets us free (John 8:31). To some, the truth will be offensive. But it still must be preached. Lived by. At all costs.

For without the truth no person or culture can remain healthy and whole.

Always seek peace. But stand for truth at all costs.