Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION
4 Aug 2026

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭

Carl and Brian were once close neighbours who enjoyed a warm friendship. Every morning, they walked together before sharing coffee at their favourite café. Carl, a committed Christian, was known for his gentle spirit, while Brian, though a skeptic, valued their friendship.

During a kitchen renovation, Carl unknowingly extended his roof about two feet over Brian’s property. There was no ill intent, and neither man considered it an issue. They remained close friends until both eventually passed away.

The conflict began only after their deaths. When one of Brian’s relatives visited the property, he noticed the roof extension and suggested that Carl had deliberately encroached on the land. Suspicion quickly took root. Brian’s wife felt her late husband’s rights had been violated and demanded compensation. Carl’s wife, deeply hurt by the accusation against her deceased husband, responded defensively. What could have been settled through a gracious conversation soon deteriorated into a bitter dispute.

In an effort to end the conflict, Carl’s wife removed the roof extension and erected a high wall along the boundary. The property issue was resolved, but the relationship between the two families was broken. The wall became a lasting symbol of bitterness, replacing the friendship that Carl and Brian had once enjoyed.

This story vividly illustrates Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Paul acknowledges that peace is not always possible because it requires the willingness of both parties. Yet every believer is called to do all that depends on them to pursue peace.

The greatest enemies of peace are pride and unforgiveness. Pride insists on being right, while unforgiveness keeps old wounds alive. Together, they can turn a small misunderstanding into a lasting division. But the gospel calls us to a better way. Humility enables us to admit our faults, kindness softens hardened hearts, and forgiveness tears down the walls that bitterness builds.

Although we cannot control how others respond, we can choose to reflect the character of Christ. May God help us become bridge builders rather than wall builders, pursuing peace wherever possible and leaving behind a legacy of reconciliation rather than regret.

 “Pride builds walls; humility builds bridges. Forgiveness is the doorway through which peace returns.”‬‬