Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Retaliation and Revenge

Hopefully this isn't how we look? As a family we've been looking at the wisdom and instructions found in 1 Peter 3. It's quite an amazing piece of Scripture which challenges us to the core. In verse 9 it says, "Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and He will bless you for it." Our culture tells us to pay someone back what they deserve! Retaliation and anger is justified because what was done to you or said about you. How sad when Christians fall into this trap of wanting to get revenge and retaliation. I guess the question we need to ask ourselves is "am I bent on getting even or defending myself when I'm wronged? Am I willing to be a blessing even to those who've hurt my feelings?" All too often people think that if they can just get someone back for what they did to them, that everything will be just fine. How wrong this thinking is and how tragic is the path it leads. Last time I checked, revenge, anger and retaliation were not fruit of the Spirit but fruit of the carnal man. The choice before you today is critical. I'm so glad that Jesus wasn't focused on revenge or retaliation, and today I want people around me to see Him in me. I challenge you to read 1 Peter 3 several times this week and allow your heart to open for the Holy Spirit to speak to you. It's been so good for me to read :)

1 comment:

  1. I so needed this. Thank you for the reminder what we are called to be, people full of love,hope, peace and joy!Missie

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.