‘If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.’ Romans 12:18 RSV
The Bible says, ‘And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.’ (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV) You say, ‘But what they did to me was unfair, unkind, and unwarranted.’ Exactly—and God feels the same way about some of the things you have done! Any attempt to avenge a wrong is a violation of God’s Word. That includes bad-mouthing them, giving them the silent treatment, making sarcastic remarks, refusing to help them, and resorting to physical violence or verbal attacks.
If you were hurt by someone at work, retaliation includes taking resources without authorisation, applying workplace rules more stringently to the offender than others, or deliberately slowing your pace to frustrate them. If you were hurt by your spouse, it includes brooding, making them walk on eggshells, and withholding your love and affection. Paul writes: ‘Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them… Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. 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.’ (Romans 12:14, 17–19 RSV)
Repaying evil for evil won’t bring you satisfaction. Besides, have you considered that the person who hurt you may have genuinely changed? What if God continued to hold your transgressions over your head? Retaliation just destroys your peace of mind because you know it displeases God. Today pray: ‘Father, I release any desire to get even. I want to walk in Your peace, extend Your grace, and allow You to avenge all wrongs done against me. Amen.’ (So be it!)
SoulFood: Judg 19:16–21:25, Mk 9:30–37, Ps 45, Prov 13:13–16
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©