Hebrews 12:14 (NLT) says “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
We are living in one of the most divided seasons many of us can remember. Political views no longer stay in voting booths or news panels. They show up at family gatherings, church lobbies, social media feeds, and even quiet conversations between long-time friends. Lines are drawn quickly. Words are sharpened easily. And too often, peace is the first casualty.
God knew seasons like this would come. That is why Scripture does not say, “Enjoy peace when it’s easy.” It says, “Work at living in peace.”
Peace takes effort—especially when emotions are high, convictions are strong, and opinions feel personal.
The verse does not ask us to surrender truth, convictions, or conscience. It does not require silence where God calls us to speak. But it does require something far more challenging: that we represent Him well while we do.
Let me paint a familiar picture.
Two believers. Same church. Same Bible. Same desire to see the nation healed. But very different political conclusions. One conversation turns sharp. Voices rise. Motives are questioned. Soon, the issue is no longer policy—it’s pride. The relationship suffers. The Spirit is grieved. And both walk away convinced they were right… but neither feels peace.
This is where Hebrews 12:14 speaks directly into our moment. “Work at living in peace with everyone.”
Peace does not mean agreement. It means restraint when flesh wants to react. It means choosing tone over volume, humility over winning, and love over being proven right. Peace says, “I will not let disagreement turn me into someone Jesus wouldn’t recognize.”
And God says, “And work at living a holy life…”
Holiness is not about appearing religious. It is about being governed by God’s Spirit rather than our impulses. Holiness asks hard questions of us.
At its core, this devotional is not about politics.
It’s about holiness. Politics merely reveals what is already forming in us. Pressure exposes priorities. Disagreement surfaces what governs our hearts.
When Scripture says, “work at living a holy life,” it is reminding us that holiness does not drift into our character—it must be intentionally pursued.
If our convictions make us harsh,
If our arguments make us careless with people,
If our passion erodes our compassion,
Then something other than holiness is shaping us.
Holiness always clarifies Christ—it never obscures Him.
In a divided world, holiness becomes our greatest testimony.
Not perfect holiness—but surrendered holiness.
Not religious holiness—but Christlike holiness.
The world may never agree with us—but it should never struggle to recognize who we belong to.
1 Peter 1:15–16 (NLT) “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’”
Prayer: Dear Lord, in a world filled with division, draw us back to what matters most. Shape our hearts with Your holiness, govern our words by Your Spirit, and guard our witness in every conversation. May our lives reflect You clearly, even when disagreement surrounds us. Teach us to pursue peace without compromising holiness and to represent You well in every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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