Bible Reading: Genesis 42; Job 8; Mark 12; Romans 12
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The natural inclination is to return injury for injury. Vengeance comes easily to us. It is associated with our sense of fair and right. We want for people to treat us fair. When they do not, we want them to be punished. We want them to make it right. However, if we are not careful, we will find ourselves to be as bad as or worse than the person who wronged us. Not long ago, two of my children were fussing and fighting with each other. They both came to me crying. One had hit the other. "Why did you hit?" I asked. The answer – "because he hit me." As adults we can fall into the same trap and even think that we are justified because of the wrong done to us. However, God's word says:
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
That is a plain and straightforward command. We are not to avenge ourselves. However, we are to trust that God will deal with the situation. He tells us that vengeance belongs to him and the person will be repaid. When we take out vengeance, it is vigilante justice. We take the law into our own hands and do what we 'think' needs to be done. However, God is the righteous judge. He will repay appropriately. He knows the heart and the motives.
So what are we to do when wronged?
Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
This is how you overcome evil with good. You live by the royal law of the golden rule.
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
We must trust Jesus and live the life he has instructed us to live.
Luke 6:27-28 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
When you lash out in vengeance, you are treating someone as you would NOT want to be treated. That is a violation of God's command! That is sin.
1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
God's word tells us that we can overcome evil with good. To do this, we must overcome by faith as we believe what God has said in his word. Will you trust vengeance to God alone? Will you treat others as you want to be treated? You will walk with Jesus if you do!
In Christ,
Rody
