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 not only set standards and pass judgment on what others do to us, but become the jury and 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? Speaks an untruth about us? Exaggerates a fault? Does not pay back the money we loaned them? Tries to ruin our reputation? Ridicules us for an honest mistake? Sells us an inferior product? Does not honor a service contract? Tells us a lie?
Most of our “getting evens” are subjective and devised to achieve what we think and feel is appropriate. 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!

Prayer:  Father, “getting even” is a natural thing to want to do. But it is never the right thing to do. Cleanse us from this sin! 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.

In Texas a man got tired of thieves breaking into his store. So he rigged a shotgun to shoot anyone who entered when it was closed. One morning he came to work and forgot to dismantle the trap. He opened the door and the gun went off. As he fell to the floor he cried, “I’ve shot myself!”

Sometimes our great ideas can get us “killed.” We are attracted by the things of this world and become influenced by its many “traps.” We begin to believe that our plans are better than what God has planned for us. Scripture teaches us that sin leads to death. We mindlessly walk in paths that lead to our destruction and death. Instead, we need to surrender our lives to God and to ask Him to make His way known to us as we read and trust His Word. We need to look to God for His purpose in our lives. As we accept His precious gift of salvation and eternal life, we must realize that we are citizens of His kingdom and obligated to live lives that honor Him.

Prayer: Father, help me recognize the sin in my life that keeps me from growing into the likeness of Your Son. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will convict me and cleanse me and make me pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The check-in line at the ticket counter was longer than usual. And it was moving very, very slowly. One of the people in the line was passing the time by watching the people around her. Finally, it was almost her turn. Only one person was in front of her.

But the man in front of her had seven bags to check-in. He became impatient and began to curse the agent because he had to pay an additional charge for all of his luggage. The agent, with a gracious smile, politely said to the man, “Have a nice flight, Sir.”

Impressed, when she presented her ticket to the agent she said, “My, you were so kind to that man who cursed you. He even embarrassed me. Are you always so courteous?”

“Thank you,” he replied, “but I'm really not very nice. You see, he's going to Miami but his baggage is going to Minneapolis.”

Whenever someone does something to hurt us on purpose, the natural thing we want to do is to seek a way to get revenge. But, revenge is not our responsibility, it is God’s. Paul said, “Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God.”

When we return evil with good and thoughtfulness for thoughtlessness, we are demonstrating God's love: loving others the way He loves us. God's grace: let's pass it on!

Prayer: Save us, Father, from doing harm to others. Let us show Your love and kindness, compassion and care to everyone as You have shown it to us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

It was my birthday, and friends surprised me with a party. When it came time for dessert, a rose angel food cake was placed on the table, and I was asked to cut it. Taking hold of the knife, I started to cut the cake, immediately it gave forth the fragrance of a rose. “What a picture of a true Christian,” I cried.

A Christian, like a fragrant cake, should be overflowing with the fragrance of Christ. What happens when our hearts are wounded, when another person’s words or deeds cut deep within our soul? Do we smell like the Rose of Sharon or do we smell rotten? It is very easy to respond rashly when we or a loved one is hurt. We can say things we regret and be even more destructive than we realize at the moment. If we are to love as Christ loved, our response to affliction should be rooted in patience and kindness. There is never a time for jealousy, rudeness or selfishness. When we understand that Christ has loved us despite our sinfulness, it is possible to show love to those who sin against us.

Prayer: Father, I pray that You will help me to always be like Christ when I am wounded or hurting. Help me to forgive and love everyone as Christ has loved me. In Thy Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7