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,
Our pride thrives on seeking revenge and repaying evil with evil. But what a downward spiral this creates! Where does it all end? Anger, hatred, and rage fuel the situation, and when these emotions combine, they snowball, leaving everyone bitter towards one another. Life becomes ugly with all the accusations flying around.
You tell us to maintain peace with everyone as far as it depends on us. We are to humble ourselves, overcome our pride, and not seek revenge when someone does or says something hurtful to us. We must remember that we cannot control what others say or do, but we can maintain peace ourselves when faced with challenges; however, all this is much easier said than done. So, we pray that You will change our hearts to seek peaceful solutions, remembering that, in the end, those who reject You and Your love will ultimately face Your vengeance. Guide us by faith to be kind and love those who wish to be our enemies.
We ask that you forgive our failures, especially when our pride gets in the way. Please strengthen our faith so that we may have changed hearts to love others, including those who wish to attack and discredit us. Let us always remember your Son’s reaction at the hands of His enemies; from the cross, He did not ask for vengeance but forgiveness for all of us who put Him there.
Grant us the strength to follow Your Word and love our enemies, so that through our actions, we will heap burning coals upon them, leading them to seek Your forgiveness. Let them come to know and trust in Your Son, who died for them, so that by faith in Jesus, they can turn from their sinful pride and receive a new heart. Please grant them forgiveness, so that they may avoid facing Your vengeance. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Selfish desires and pride give rise to all human conflicts, planting the seeds of hatred. Faith in Jesus acts as the redirection that steers us towards love and humility; faith in Him is where transformation begins. Throughout His word, He instructs us to love as He has loved us.