Choosing Love Over Revenge

With the Fourth of July approaching, we hope you plan to spend time with your friends and family. We have been studying the Book of Romans over the past few weeks. As we mentioned last week, Paul tells it like it is and teaches us how God wants us to live and respond to His word. Check out this verse:

Do not pay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.   Romans 12: 17-19

OK, it is time to be brutally honest, guys; who does not have trouble putting these verses into action today? When someone has "wronged" us, our immediate reaction is to fight back and give a counter punch.  Let's face it: from the time Adam took that bite of the apple in the Garden of Eden, we have fallen.  We have sinful natures, and as a result, we all, at some time or other, will struggle with jealousy, envy, resentment, bitterness, and anger. We all have that inescapable desire to "get even."  God knows that letting those feelings dominate our lives will prevent us from being the Godly men he created us to be. 

Some need clarification on these verses, thinking we need to be passive wimps and never stand up for what we believe and what is right. NO. Some think they indicate we should not have a healthy competitive spirit. NO. We love competition. It does mean not letting our character's unhealthy "sinful nature" take over when dealing with situations where we disagree with someone or have a different opinion. When we have that feeling of "getting even," we think it means that when facing situations like that, we need to turn to God and focus on what would please Him with our reaction. We can be examples of the Godly men He created us to be.  We can cause those who wronged us to see God through our reactions.

"You have heard it said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies'. But I say to you, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:44

Prayer is essential, but having other Christian men to discuss these situations with is also beneficial. Their wisdom can provide valuable advice and help us gain a broader perspective. They can be the 'HOLD' button we need before we react in a way we might regret. This is the power of community and shared wisdom.  

Let's focus on Paul's teachings as we enter a new week. Let's strive to bring a smile to God's face with our interactions. Let's be the magnets that draw others closer to Him through our words and actions. Remember, we can be positive examples of a Godly life.

When the temptation is there to say something or do something that would not be pleasing to God, let's all STOP, remember the teachings of Paul, and respond in a way that models to others what being a Christian is all about.