Seeking Revenge 07.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday July 27, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 23-26 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2023-26&version=9

Today we will read and learn about moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings and the excellence of wisdom. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that revenge is not the answer. It is because God has mercy on us that we should be quick to be merciful to others and not seek revenge on those who wronged us.

It seems normal to stand up for our rights and to fight back against those who have wronged us or to get even by causing similar suffering upon them, but, it is a serious sin to be delighted when an enemy suffers or seems to reap what we think he deserves. It is even more serious to harbor a secret hatred and a desire to bring about his downfall. "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked: For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out." (Proverbs 24:17-20).

Attitudes of bitterness, revenge, hatred, or ill will toward anyone are self destructive and are indications that we are not living nearly as close to Christ as we should. No matter how much we think that getting revenge will make us feel better the truth is unless we have a right relationship with God we will never be at peace. We are not to regard anyone as an enemy, since we were all created in the image of God and Christ died to save all of us without an exception. Instead we need to pray for the person and forgive them because it is by doing so that God himself will intervene and take care of them for you. "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee." (25:21-22).

In  time our enemies may become disciples of Christ and our brothers and sisters in Him. No one is justified in taking revenge and we are definitely not qualified to be judge, jury, or executioner of anyone's life. We dare not assume the position of God, "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 12:18-21).

All thoughts of hatred and revenge are temptations of Satan, but the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable the Christian to reject them and be merciful and forgiving rather than hateful toward all who wronged us. No one has been wronged like Jesus, imagine what He went through as He endured such a painful death for our own sins, but instead of seeking revenge He prayed for His enemies, "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34a). Jesus in the end saw victory as He rose from the dead and rest assure all who have been wronged will see victory as long as they put their faith and trust in Him.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who rewards those who repay evil with good. (Proverbs 25: 21-22). Jesus said, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." (Luke 6:27-28).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Look upon us, and let all the darkness of our souls vanish before the beams of thy brightness. Help us to forgive those who have wronged us. Fill us with Your love and open to us the treasures of Your wisdom. Give us peace and comfort and help us to get over the past and move on to the great blessings that You have set before us. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

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