5 March 2026
“So then connects back to the kingdom.” With those words Mark Penrith moved us from principle to pursuit. Because the kingdom is “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” Paul now commands action. “So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another” Romans 14:19. Mark said, “Let us pursue. The word means to chase. To hunt. To press toward.” Peace will not drift into your home or workplace. You must go after it.
Mark made it plain, “This is not passive. Not accidental. Not optional. Chase peace. Hunt it down.” Many of us pride ourselves on avoiding conflict. But avoidance is not obedience. Paul does not say tolerate one another. He says pursue what builds up. Mark reminded us, “Builds up is a construction word.” Every decision to limit liberty. Every restrained comment. Every gracious reply. You are laying a brick in the house God is building.
There is also a warning beneath the command. Earlier Mark cautioned, “Do not vandalise with your freedom the brother for whom Christ died.” Peace requires intention. It demands that we see fellow believers as God’s workmanship. Christ shed His blood for them. So when you choose to encourage rather than critique, to thank rather than nitpick, you are protecting God’s work. You are strengthening what Christ purchased.
Be concrete this week. Send one message that strengthens someone’s faith. Thank a volunteer. Encourage a brother who looks weary. Mark said, “Every time you choose not to exercise your freedom for the sake of a brother, you are not just being nice, you are building something.” At bedtime ask your children, how did we build someone up today. Teach them that peace is pursued, not presumed.
So examine your heart. Are you actively pursuing peace, or merely avoiding conflict. The kingdom advances when ordinary believers chase peace on purpose.
Lord, make me a builder in Your house. Give me courage to pursue peace and grace to strengthen others. Let my words and actions honour Christ. Amen.