If Possible

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21
In this world it seems impossible to live peaceably with all. I have at times spoken things that people didn't like. Without thinking I respond to a question or a statement and I have people that will no longer talk to me. I believe I tried to make amends but it has been so long I really don't remember any more. I have a son that won't speak to me, won't take my telephone calls. He will not acknowledge me on my birthdays, fathers day or any other time. I quit putting his sister in the middle by sending birthday cards etc. to him through her. I have an older brother some time a few years back, I said something that upset / offended him. He will not speak to me. Even at our mothers funeral, I tried and he would not speak to me.  I had another family member pull a gun on me a few years back when I said something that offended him. I mowed the lawn next door to him the other day and they were sitting on the porch and as soon as I drove in the yard where I was mowing, they went inside to avoid speaking to me. By the time I got out of my vehicle they were already in the house. I guess all I can do is leave it to God because I feel I tried. The scripture says if possible. I am sure God knows sometimes people will be unforgiving and that why he said if possible. I used to try to give to any one that's asks and the other day at the grocery store, a man sitting on the bench outside asked for two dollars for something to eat. I used to give but so many times I've seen that money go for a bottle of beer.  I would love to give for a sandwich but I don't think I am helping if I am buying a beer. How do I know? I really don't. I heard this story several times: I have a wife or mother or someone in the hospital in Corinth and I need gas to get there. I guess the story must have worked for them because I know I heard it personally at least three times. People will come to a church at service time asking for a hand out. How do you know if it is legitimate? Only God knows. The Bible tells us to over come evil with good, and don't let it get you down. We just keep doing the right thing as much as we are able to. I don't feel I am a stingy person, I feel I will give when I can. I helped a guy for a while with a ride to work. I am retired, I do not have to get up at the sound of an alarm clock. I set my alarm so I could be sure to get to his house at the agreed upon time. One morning I waited twenty minutes and left. He called right after I left, I refused to go back. I did try and help him some more. I got to his house at the agreed upon time again and I waited ten minutes. I told him I have no skin in this game, I am trying to help you, you could be on time. The next morning he needed a ride again and I told him I would be there 10 minutes later than the first morning. I still had to wait 5 minutes. We need to develop a forgiving attitude and I try to, but I do not need to be a door mat.  I am not sure I live by this scripture perfectly. Sometimes my judgement may be off. The bible does say,  if possible so far as it depends on you. I have prayed about this because I wonder if I am failing in this area.  Especially in families we need to develop a forgiving attitude.  If we do not forgive, neither will our Heavenly Father forgive us. God bless. LVZ.