] A BETTER WAY OF LIFE Holding a grudge and trying to get even with someone considered an enemy is not a good way of living, nor is it a right way to live. In fact, getting even with someone, or giving them a stern tongue lashing, can end up causing great misery and despair. A troubled woman once spoke with a counselor and asked, “Can the dead see and hear us?” Her reason for asking became clear as she explained that she had a dear friend that she had been very close to for many years. Then, sharp words of disagreement were exchanged. These had been harsh words spoken in anger that were over something she described as “silly.” But these words caused them to quit speaking to each other. Both felt they were “getting even” with the other. Then, very unexpectedly, the friend died and a shocked, brokenhearted woman now sat sobbing in grief. “If I just knew that she can hear me, I want her to know that I am sorry.” The counselor struggled for words of comfort, but there were few that could help her now. Getting even with others can be a very unhappy way of life. We may consider ourselves very skilled at getting even, but it can never be Christ’s way. Trying to put others in their place can make life extremely unhappy. There is a much better way of living. Jesus taught us how to do this. “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:38-45). We also read in Romans 12:19-21, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. 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. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” We will truly find life much easier if we do things the Lord’s way. Instead of getting even, put things in God’s hands and trust that He knows best. Bill Jones
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 13:22:52 +0000
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