Romans 12:17-21
Do not pay anyone back evil for evil. Focus on those things that everyone considers noble. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, maintain peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” says the Lord. But: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For by doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive us and give us strength to follow your words. When we are faced with situations of others bringing evil against us, our first instinct is to match blow for blow. Paul encourages us, believers, to do what is excellent and to keep peace with everyone, especially those who are our enemies. Our job is to show kindness and to leave the revenge to you. We can only affect what is in our hearts and how we react to others. Our reactions to others may just win over someone who is lost in sin. You would have us repay evil with what is good and every curse with a blessing. Paul even tells us the reaction will be to heap burning coals upon their heads and, in a way, get back at them through compassion. Give us the strength to respond in kindness to the world’s rage; give us the strength to respond to the world as you would have us with love and compassion. We reflect the love and mercy you had for us. When we were lost in our sins, filled with evilness, hate, and anger, you responded by sending your Son to forgive us all our sins. And you feed us when we are hungry and give us something to drink when we are thirsty. In fact, through us, you do that to the rest of the world when they hate you. We wear the mask of Jesus by showing kindness to those who hate Christ. We cannot do this on our own we need your Holy Spirit to be with us so we serve others as you would have us comfort them. Thank you for loving us when we were your enemy. Amen.
Pastor Roger Emmons
Jesus gave us forgiveness as the keys to heaven but retains revenge for himself. Use God’s gift in abundance because God has poured out his grace and mercy upon all who believe.