Resentments fill hearts and control minds. They are easy to collect and store in dark crevices deep inside while we wait for the right moment to “settle a score.” It is amazing how much more room we seem to have for resentments than we do for love. Perhaps it is because we want to be like God and set standards and pass judgment on what others do to us. It seems like we want to be the prosecutor, then the jury, become the judge, and finally the executioner.
If we could ever look at this “getting even” objectively, it might amaze us. Unless there is an accepted way to measure a wrong, it is impossible to know the appropriate method to apply to “get even.” It might be too little, or too much, and rarely “just right.”
For example: What are we to do if someone treats us or a loved one unfairly? Or speaks a lie or half-truth about us? Maybe exaggerate our faults? Refuse to pay back the money we loaned them? Try to ruin our reputation? Have you been ridiculed for an honest mistake? Someone perhaps, may have sold us an inferior product, then refused to honor their service contract.
Most of our “getting even” are subjective and devised to achieve what we think and feel is appropriate. However, in God’s Word we are warned not to do that!
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you.” One translator inserts the word “expectantly” after the word “wait.” In other words, “You know that this is up to God, and He, in His impeccable timing, will come to your aid.” God is our Savior and Redeemer and He will do what is right in His eyes - not our eyes.
There is a warning in Genesis that demands our attention: “Far be it from you (to do the work of God)! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
We must never assume God’s responsibilities! Never!
Prayer: Father, “getting even” is a natural, normal thing to want to do. But it is never the right thing to do. Help us to turn vengeance over to You for You are the Judge! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture For Today: Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you.
No comments:
Post a Comment