Take a moment and think of a time when you were treated unfairly. Did you take the blame for something someone else did? Were you abused in some way at some point in your life – physically, mentally, or sexually? Has someone done something to you or someone you love that made you want to get revenge or retaliate? I think we’ve all been there at some point in our lives.
When I think of how my stepson’s mother treated him at times, I know I had thoughts that caused me to have to ask for God’s forgiveness. We make excuses for our thoughts or actions like “We are only human,” or “they deserved it.” While both statements may be true, God tells us in 2 Thessalonians 1:6
In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.
And in Romans 12:17-21
Never pay back evil with more evil…Conquer evil by doing good.
Christ was free from sin. Yet, He was persecuted and tortured. Unlike us, Christ had the power to retaliate. He could have, at any time, chosen to strike down His persecutors. However, He chose not to do so. Instead, Christ left justice in the hands of God.
He did not retaliate when he was insulted
Nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God
Who always judges fairly.
1 Peter 2:23
Christ is an example for us to follow. 1 Peter 2:19 tells us God is pleased with us when we suffer for doing good.
It’s not easy to keep ourselves in check when we’ve been wronged. As humans, our reactions are often the result of our feelings. God is directing us to do what is right. He is telling us to trust Him to serve out justice. Unlike us, His justice will be fair, therefore we need to put our trust in Him. The Helpfinder bible puts it this way.
“When others wrong us, we cry out for justice. When we wrong God, we cry out for mercy.”
Just as others are subject to God’s justice, so to are we. As my mother liked to remind me – two wrongs don’t make a right.
Just for today, when we perceive we have been wronged by someone, let us suffer patiently and leave justice in the hands of God.
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 Lord.
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.
Romans 12:19-21
May your day be blessed!
– Paula –
Recent Comments