June 2, 2015
More than likely all of us are familiar with a portion of
Romans 12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of
God, for it is written, “ Vengeance is
mine, I will repay, says the Lord. (emphasis mine)” We know from this that
we should not seek revenge on those who have wronged us but rather we should
leave it to the Lord to deal with them.
In our Proverbs of the day there are two selections that
underscore the truth of Paul’s admonition. The first is 24:17-18. “Do not
rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.” Not
only are we not to seek our own revenge, but neither are we to take pleasure
when God brings his discipline upon the one we think has wronged us. God takes
no pleasure in punishing and we should reflect the heart of God in forgiveness
and love, even for our enemies.
Also, Proverbs 24:28-29 teach basically the same thing Paul
said in Romans. “Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do
not deceive with your lips. Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will pay the man back for what he has done.” God is the one who repays
discipline/punishment for evil, not us. We should have a loving concern for the
eternal soul of the one who has wronged us. It’s difficult to share gospel
grace with one to whom you are giving revenge.
We should practice love to all, even those who have unjustly
dealt with us.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times I have taken
pleasure in the bad times of those who have hurt me. Forgive me for not showing
your heart of compassion and love, even to those who have rejected me. Father,
we all have rejected you with our sin, yet you demonstrated your love for us at
the cross. Give me your heart of grace and mercy toward all.
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