Friendship, Peace, and False Teachers: What Romans 12:18 Really Means

Show Summary

Romans 12:18 calls believers to live peaceably with all “if possible, so far as it depends on you.” But does that command require Christians to make doctrinal peace with false teachers and false prophets? In this episode, we clarify the difference between being peaceable in our conduct and refusing fellowship with those who persist in false teaching, refuse correction, and undermine the gospel. Scripture calls us to love our enemies, pray for them, and show common grace—while also exposing deception, guarding the flock, vand refusing to declare “peace” where God says there is no peace.

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Key Scriptures

• Romans 12:9–21
• 2 Peter 2
• Galatians 1:8–9
• Ephesians 5:11
• James 4:4
• Matthew 5:43–48
• Luke 6:27–28
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15
• Isaiah 48:22
• Isaiah 57:21
• Jeremiah 6:14
• Proverbs 25:21–22

Episode Highlights

• Peaceable conduct vs. doctrinal compromise: Romans 12:18 calls us to pursue peace in our actions, not to ignore or affirm serious error.
• Why “peace, peace” can be a false balm: Scripture warns against declaring peace where there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14).
• False teachers are not neutral: 2 Peter 2 explains the danger of destructive heresies and the harm done to souls.
• Loving enemies includes speaking truth: Christians pray for enemies and do them good while still exposing darkness (Matthew 5:43–48; Ephesians 5:11).
• The gospel must not be altered: Adding to or redefining the gospel places people under God’s warning (Galatians 1:8–9).

Full Article

One of the most common objections raised when false teachers are addressed is this: “Aren’t Christians supposed to be peaceful? Doesn’t Romans 12:18 say we should live peaceably with all?” It is a vital question, and Scripture gives a clear answer when we read Romans 12:18 in context and alongside the whole counsel of God.

Romans 12 does not call believers to doctrinal unity with those who oppose God’s truth. Instead, it describes the marks of a true Christian: genuine love, abhorrence of evil, holding fast to what is good, refusing vengeance, and overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:9–21). This includes a posture that is not quarrelsome for the sake of quarrels, but it never requires silence about serious deception.

“Living peaceably with all” speaks to how we conduct ourselves in a fallen world. Christians are to be humble, patient, and measured, refusing to repay evil for evil. If an enemy is hungry, we feed him; if he is thirsty, we give him something to drink (Romans 12:20; Proverbs 25:21–22). That is not fellowship. That is obedience to Christ in the way we treat others—even those who oppose us.

At the same time, Scripture repeatedly warns that persistent false teachers are not at peace with God. They do not simply hold a different preference or a minor disagreement—they bring destructive error that harms souls. Peter warns that false teachers secretly bring in destructive heresies, exploit others, and lead people astray (2 Peter 2). Paul warns that anyone who preaches another gospel is under God’s curse (Galatians 1:8–9). This is why doctrinal peace with those who corrupt the gospel is not biblical peace.

The Bible also warns against superficial declarations of peace when the problem is spiritual rebellion. Jeremiah rebukes those who proclaim “Peace, peace” when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14). Isaiah states plainly, “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 57:21). Romans 12:18 does not contradict these passages. It teaches believers how to behave in the world, not how to treat persistent deception as compatible with Christian fellowship.

This is why Christians can—and must—hold two biblical commitments at once. First, we love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:43–48; Luke 6:27–28). Second, we refuse partnership with darkness and expose what is evil (Ephesians 5:11). Love rejoices in the truth, and the truth is found in God’s Word. If a person claims the name of Christ while promoting falsehood and refusing correction, love does not call that “peace.” Love calls them to repent and believe the gospel.

Biblical peace is never purchased by surrendering truth. It is grounded in Christ, shaped by Scripture, and expressed in faithful obedience. We do not pursue conflict for its own sake—but we also do not offer fellowship where the gospel is being distorted and souls are being endangered.

Takeaways and Reflection Questions

• Am I confusing peaceable conduct with doctrinal compromise?
• Do I avoid necessary discernment because I fear being called “divisive”?
• How can I show Christlike love toward those in error while refusing fellowship with false teaching?
• Do I let Scripture define “peace,” or do I adopt the world’s definition?

Related Resources

• Read Romans 12:9–21 in full and note the marks of a true Christian.
• Read 2 Peter 2 carefully and underline what God says about false teachers.
• Study Galatians 1 and list what Paul says about “another gospel.”

Call to Action

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For more from Dawn please visit her page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.