When Paul wrote to the brethren in Rome, he taught them how they were to interact with others. As Christians, they were to show sympathy (Romans 12:15), act with humility (Romans 12:16), and refrain from retaliating when wronged (Romans 12:17).
Each of these were applications of the principle contained in the next verse: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18). Rather than creating or contributing to strife that exists around us, we should strive to “be at peace” with others.
However, Paul’s use of the conditional phrase, “if possible,” means that this is not entirely dependent upon us. Despite our best efforts to maintain harmony with those around us, there will be some people who will cause trouble, produce division, and even bring about persecution no matter what we do.
We cannot control the actions of others, but we do need to make sure that we are not contributing to or increasing whatever conflict they may be causing. Instead, we need to be an influence for good, working toward having harmony with those around us.
So seek peace with others. Live in such a way that they can see the joy and contentment that comes from following Christ. They may not respond in kind, but we need to make sure it is not something that we have done that is preventing that peace with one another.