Ever wonder how God wants us to treat someone who has wronged us? When someone has wronged us, we will naturally want to turn to bitterness and resentment...possibly even revenge...but God has a better way. When people have wounded us or the people we love, we can feel as though we have a right to be bitter or to retaliate. In those times, it is imperative that we remember the truths of scripture and obey Gods word. Gods way is simply this: never take revenge, bless those who persecute you, pray Gods blessing on them, never curse them, live at peace with everyone, be honorable in all you say or do, and conquer evil with good. Wow! Thats a very tough and tall order to follow sometimes! The more intense the offense, the tougher it can be to accomplish this difficult task. When we take matters into our own hands, or we manipulate a situation through motives of revenge, we are stealing from God. God says that revenge is His. He knows exactly what His purposes are for each situation He has allowed. We tend to mess things up when we become bitter and when we refuse to trust God. If this seems like a huge unattainable work, it helps to know that our offender is not completely the true problem. The Bible says we do not war against humans--our actual war is with the enemy...against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The enemy loves to create chaos in our lives because it keeps us far away from our LifeLine...God. If the enemy can sabotage or compromise our relationship with God, he can continue to create even more opportunities of loss in our lives. Today, allow these verses to free you completely from your bitterness. You no longer need to plan how you are going to get back at someone...give that to God and allow Him to work mightily in your offender’s life. Your job is to live peaceably around others and to be honorable in all you do. Leave the job of holding your offender accountable to God. He is able to mightily work in your life and your offenders heart....but you must first trust and obey His plan. God doesnt desire for your life to be bombarded with bitterness. In fact, He wants to give you life brimming with blessings....an abundant life to the fullest! On the hardest days when we think we cannot accomplish or obey Gods way of dealing with enemies, meditate on Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Ask Him for His strength, grace, and help today! Romans 12:9-21 NLT Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the L ord . Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. John 10:10 NLT The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. Philippians 4:13 NLT For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. X
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:32:10 +0000
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