DO NOT REVENGE!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SUNDAY JUNE 09, 2024.

SUBJECT: DO NOT REVENGE!

Memory verse: "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12 vs 17.)

READ: Matthew 5 vs 38 - 42:

5:38: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

5:39: But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

5:40: If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tonic, let him have your cloak also.

5:41: And whoever compels you to go a mile, go with him two.

5:42: Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

INTIMATION:

To revenge is to take an action in return for an injury or offense; to retaliate or get even for a perceived wrong. In our fallen world, it is often deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. The Lord Jesus Christ, in His teaching, admonished us not to revenge or get even with our offenders. In God’s kingdom, revenge is an unacceptable behavior, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. No Christian should seek to get even with someone who has wronged him or her.

It is not the place of any Christian to seek revenge. A true heart is not one of malice or hate. Hearts of malice or hate identify those individuals who are of the world. Wrong that is committed against another originates from Satan. Disciples of Jesus must resist the temptations of Satan. Retaliation against those whom Satan uses to promote his work is not a Christian principle. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to such people, pray for them. Jesus encourages us to pay back wrongs with blessing, such as praying for the offenders. 

In this day of lawsuits and incessant demands for legal rights, Jesus’ teaching or command sounds almost impossible. When someone hurts you deeply, instead of giving him or her what he or she deserves, Jesus says do good to them and never revenge. Instead return good for evil. Why do we need to forgive our enemies or do good to those who hurt us? (1) Forgiveness may break a cycle of retaliation and lead to mutual reconciliation. (2) It may make the enemy feel ashamed and change his or her ways. (3) By contrast, repaying evil for evil hurts you just so much as it hurts your enemy. Even if your enemy never repents, forgiving him or her will free you of a heavy load of bitterness. 

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the believers in Rome, recounted and reemphasized Christ’s teaching, he says, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 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 of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12 vs 17 - 21.)

These verses summarize the core of Christian living. If we love someone the way Christ loves us, we will be willing to forgive. If we have experienced God’s grace, we will want to pass it on to others. And remember, grace is undeserved favor. By giving an enemy a drink, we’re not excusing his misdeeds. We’re recognizing him, forgiving him, and loving him in spite of his sins—just as Christ did for us.

Forgiveness involves both attitudes and actions. If you find it difficult to feel forgiving toward someone who hurts you, try responding with kind actions. If appropriate, tell this person that you would like to heal your relationship, lend a helping hand, send him or her a gift, smile at him or her. Many times you will discover that right actions lead to right feelings.

Again, in the course of our lives’ travails, we can never know God’s intentions for any happenings or circumstances we face in life. All things are known to Him, even the end is known to Him from the beginning. And only the council of God stands as He does His pleasure: “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” (Isaiah 46 vs 10.) The circumstances of life we face can be God’s design to cause His plans and purposes in our lives to be accomplished. God has ordained our pathways from the beginning for His predetermined purposes, and these include the  circumstances and trials we face in life. 

The story of Joseph in the Bible is a clear example of God’s use of our travails in life for the fulfillment of His ultimate plan (Genesis 37, 39 -  50). Although Joseph’s brothers had wanted to get rid of him, God used even their evil actions for His purpose. He had sent Joseph ahead to preserve their lives, save Egypt, and prepare the way for the beginning of the nation of Israel. God is sovereign. His plans are not dictated by human actions. When others intend evil toward you, remember that they are only God’s tools. As Joseph said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50 vs 20.) It is for this reason we should not revenge, for man’s cruelty can be God ordained pathway for your lifting.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of love that I may love as Christ loved us and gave His life of inestimable value for our lives that are completely worthless as sinners. Give me the grace to overcome evil with good, and never revenge or get even with another, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!