Live peaceably with all men

Romans 12.1-2
Paul exhorts believers to devote themselves to God sacrificially--in light of the salvation God has worked for them, explained in the previous chapters.

He expands on this by explaining that believers should not be conformed to this world, that is, not have the viewpoint and reactions characteristic of this world. Instead, by contrast, they are to be conformed to God’s will. This is the obvious contrast. This is done by being transformed by a renewing of the mind. They are to possess and be possessed by God’s word that they may do and know that God’s will is best (as opposed to the world’s way).

Vss 3-8
Paul expands on this conformance to the divine viewpoint and will as he directs the individual believer to a proper perspective about himself with reference to other believers. He is special but not too specialt. He shares in the common faith with all believers and is only a part in the body of Christ in having a function in edification (building up that body). The believer needs to use his gift/ ministry-function in the church in accordance to that common faith. If this is not being done, then you must either have a wrong perspective about yourself with reference to the body/ Church or the church is failing to recognize you or you are failing to recognize the Divine significance and purpose of the local church.

Vvs 9-21
Paul details conduct becoming a child of God, in keeping with the exhortation to be not conformed to this world but to be conformed to God’s will. Verses 9 through 16 seem to focus mostly on the believer’s duties of love, meekness and kindness towards others, and particularly, it seems to be towards believers. Verses 17 through 21 seek to forbid the indulgence of a contrary disposition of seeking retaliation and revenge, and this seems to expand to all people, saved and unsaved.

Vs 17 Repay no one evil for evil.

It is our human nature to desire to get even, getting back—the way of this world. Getting even, repaying evil for evil should not be who and what we are. It is of the divine nature and will to be concerned about our enemies or those who wish us or do us harm or trouble. When evil has been done to me, ask: “How should I respond to this situation that is in accord with God’s wisdom and that will not give them a reason to retaliate or to be hardened more to the truth?”

Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Simply do what is right in the eyes of everybody. It takes spiritual discernment to know how to respond in every situation, but the believer is to be someone who acts in a way that wins the trust and good opinion of all people. You are to have a conduct that makes you approachable. Of course, there will be those who are critical no matter what you do, but don’t give them good cause to be.

Vs 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

We should be peace makers and keepers. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.—Jesus' sermon on the mount. Peace is not always within our control, and so the exhortation is stated in a limited manner. We are not to compromise on the truth, yet we are to avoid giving offence and avenging injuries. In reference to what is in our power to live in peace, we should obey the laws unless the law requires us to violate our ambassadorship to Christ or commit immorality. The privileges we have had are being legally challenged. Obey the Law and work within the law.
Is it not interesting that Chapter 13 follows with the role of Government?

Vs 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

Revenge is being conformed to the world. Our vengeance usually goes beyond an equal retaliation. You should seek to do what is best for the one who did you wrong. Your conduct will affect them and everyone else involved. If the law is broken, then let it be dealt with legally, for the government is what God has set in place to avenge and do justice. Know that God knows the situation, and He will do justly when He chooses. “Give place” means get out of the way and leave the situation up to God’s wrath.

Vs 20 Therefore If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.

These are probably only representative of doing something good to those who do you evil. Do what is contrary to our nature to do, what the world would do. Heaping coals on your enemy’s head is the most effectual means of subduing him…it is a punishment no one can bear; he must yield to it.--Charles Hodge. Kindness is no less effective. Your enemy cannot always withstand it. The best way to defeat your enemy. I think of how David spared Saul’s life when Saul sought to kill David. This eventually had the affect on Saul of him ceasing to seek David.

Vs 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

It is human nature, the way of the world, to let the evil that comes upon us to over take us, and we respond with vengeance. The divine will is to respond with good, overcome the evil with good. This requires the transformation by a renewing of the mind in the word of God. This is the supernatural response to evil. The circumstances require discernment at all times. This doesn’t mean the situation doesn’t require something to be done in a proper and legal way. It doesn’t mean, if it is illegal, you must take abuse or allow others to be abused. We are to be people who seek peace, who seek not to be vengeful. When you overcome evil with good, you are commending yourself to the evil doer. You are different. You could be someone they can trust. When they learn this, they may become a friend, and they then can open up to hear the truth of the gospel. When you overcome evil with good, you will discern that it is God’s will and that it is right: Romans 12.2

 Can different belief systems coexist in peace?

Most theologically conservative Christians exist with laws that allow people to believe and do things they disagree with, and yet they mostly tolerate it. Our country is full of false religion, and yet we live beside it. Can you fight and die for the right to believe and practice a lie? I find that difficult to uphold, yet I can fight and die for the right to believe the truth, which requires freedom to believe a lie, since we don’t want government in the place to determine what the truth is when it comes to the things of God or religion. We need a society with laws that protect such rights or privileges.

Am I compromising the truth to have a peaceful society?  There has to be some compromise in allowing differences of belief, or we would always be fighting and eventually destroy ourselves.

Society does decide on certain moral restrictions while allowing great freedom in other areas.  Consider that even in our pluralist society, we don’t allow polygamy, and mostly, we don’t allow prostitution or hard drugs.

What we need is a society in which we can coexist under laws that protect us from doing the other harm, where freedom exists to persuade about religion and social-political matters.