If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.This is one of those verses that I've tried to anchor my life around, but there were always two things about it that I've never adequately figured out. First, what counts as peace? Is separating from someone who you find yourself in disagreement or conflict with peace, or is it just avoidance? If you forgive someone, but still distance yourself from him, is that peace?
Second, what do you do when it no longer depends on you? If you've done everything you can, but the other person is still hostile, what should you do? Is separation then acceptable? Or does a time come when a hostile response is necessary?
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