Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21 KJV)
“ACTING OUT OVER AN OFFENSE”
If you have ever been watching a football game (whether at home or at the stadium), when that referee makes a call you don’t like, you go bananas. I have been known to make loud statements like: “Come on ref”, “This is ridiculous”, “You bum….you could see if you got corrective eye surgery”. I can really act out when my team is wronged (the Dallas Cowboys is my team lol). My wife sometimes doesn’t want to sit around me because I make a big spectacle watching them play.
Question: Is that how you are when someone supposedly offends you? Do you give them the silent treatment by not calling them no more because you really want them to see you’re offended? Or maybe you Facebook your frustrations and post You Tube clips against the offender? This is sin because in a way you are taking vengeance in your own hands. We are trying to resolve the matter in our own efforts of vengeance, and not through love by doing well.
Our central focus should be the Lord Jesus Christ. Our good work should follow that focus so that God may be glorified (Matthew 5:12-16). Verse 21 of Romans 12 is very important for the Christian. Christ Jesus overcame sin and death through His resurrection bodily from the grave. Should not we overcome sin through the works of the Spirit by doing good to those that strike us with evil? As we walk after the Spirit, let us also let His good works follow. We do not need to expose a person because they have wronged us. Yeah, what they did made me mad, but can I not do good unto them instead?
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:8-10)
I fully agree with your blog. I find it is hard to live as Jesus has taught us and to be a part of the world. Keep up the good work. God knows our hearts.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord indeed, it is hard to play the fence. Part in the world, part in Jesus, it just doesn't work. Matthew 6 puts it well. Thank you for your comment. God bless you too.
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