At some of my events, I circle up groups of 15-20 people for a game of “Don’t Drop the Ball.” The Rules are quite simple:

• Pass a ball around the circle with everyone touching it one time.
• Don’t drop the ball.

After playing through it once, I ask them to switch positions in the circle and stand beside someone else. I then ask them to repeat the game using the exact order of people through whom the ball passed originally. No one can remember the entire sequence. The only way to complete the game again is for each person to remember from whom they received the ball and to whom they gave it. Each person needs to simply do their part.

So it is with peacemaking. We all must do our part without concern for others’ responsibilities. Consider Romans 12:17-21: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is Mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

The phrase— “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”— suggests that peacemaking is a personal responsibility. It’s also a lifetime process. Note also that justice is God’s responsibility, not yours. Finally, focus only on the process since the outcome is outside your control. A soccer goalie can’t ensure his team will score a goal but he can do his utmost to keep the opposing team from scoring on him. Make every effort toward peace regardless of others’ efforts or lack thereof.