Resisting Revenge-DD 5/19/2011

"Never pay back evil for evil to anyone..." Rom 12:17

Beloved, it is our natural inclination to hit back when hit. None of us have any desire to suffer wrong undeservedly. None of us have any desire to suffer wrong even when we deserve it. No sooner that we have been offended we either respond immediately or begin making plans to get "pay back."

We must ask ourselves what we hope to accomplish by doing this. Yes, we may be successful in teaching a person a lesson, but just as likely we will escalate things into a full blown conflict. This is literally how wars begin.

As children of God, we must realize two things. One is that we are His children and He will protect us. The Spirit has said, "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." Rom 12:19.

We must also remember that our mission on earth is not to create or maintain enemies, but to win souls. It would be difficult at best to gain a brother or sister in Christ with a clenched fist.

Let us remember, that we were enemies of God at one time. He loved us enough to send his only begotten son as a peace offering. Not just His hands were open, but His arms and His heart. Let us follow the Almighty's example of love, grace and mercy. He will take care of the correction of those who have arrayed themselves against us. As the popular 60's saying goes, "(let us)give peace a chance."

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee