The Swing at Recess
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Ethan had waited for the swing, but another child ran in front of him. Ethan shouted, and the other child shouted back. Their teacher came over and asked each boy to explain.
Ethan could not make the other child speak kindly. He could lower his own voice and tell the truth about his turn. He apologized for shouting. The teacher helped them use the playground's turn-taking rule.
The Bible teaches us to seek peace as far as we can. That does not mean we get to control everyone else. It means we are responsible for our own part. Ethan still needed the teacher's help, and that was all right. He could wait for his turn without adding more angry words to the trouble.
A small step for today
Do your part to keep a disagreement peaceful. Use kind words, listen, and admit your own wrong. You cannot choose how another person acts. If someone keeps threatening or hurting you, get help from a trusted grown-up. Peace does not mean that you must solve every problem alone or pretend that unkind actions are acceptable.
For the grown-up reading along
Paul calls believers to pursue peace as far as their own conduct allows. The wording recognizes that one person cannot control every response or guarantee reconciliation.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Romans 12 in the King James Bible.