Pursue What Edifies 

Romans 14:19-21, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” 

Peacemaking requires proactive pursuit, not passive avoidance. The verb “follow after” or we could say “pursue,” is an energetic verb, as is edify. Builders proactively procure materials for their work and then use those materials in their work. They do not wait for wood and bricks to float into place. In the case of our work within the church and our interaction with one another, this may mean declining an activity, having a clarifying conversation, or accommodating cultural issues, whatever the case may be, the point is that peacemaking is intentional. The text even cites the extreme. If meat or wine tears down, then abstain. Such sacrificial posture mirrors Christ, who laid aside His heavenly privilege to edify us by His cross. Run hard after whatever strengthens your church, Christ’s body, even if it slows your personal pleasures.