Bible reading: Romans 12:17-21
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
As you progress in your journey with Christ, you will realise that many values championed by the world are at odds with God’s will. There may be actions God requires of you that the world considers foolish, revenge being a prime example. In our society, retaliation is often seen as standing up for oneself but showing kindness to those who are unkind to you may be viewed as weakness. I’m not suggesting that you should tolerate abuse; if someone, such as a friend or family member, is toxic or abusive towards you, it’s essential to get out of that situation. However, if that individual later approaches you for basic necessities such as food, which you can provide without compromising your safety, God instructs us to help. Although this may be difficult, especially if you are still hurting by their actions, it is crucial to understand that following God’s instructions is always in your best interest. The easiest path, which is to satisfy your flesh, is never the better option in life and may have long-term detrimental consequences.
Consider the following scenario: you are naturally kind and soft-spoken, and you have a friend who is the opposite. One day, you both get into an argument, and she insults you publicly, leaving you at a loss for words. You may spend the next few days replaying the incident and imagining scenarios where you retaliated. However, this will only plant bitterness and hate in your heart. It is essential to forgive and show kindness, as God instructs. By doing so, God will protect your heart from bitterness, and you will live in peace, knowing that your actions have pleased God. Your kindness may also positively impact your friend and those around you, allowing them to see the Spirit of God in your life. Your act of obedience to God may even lead others to Christ.
Therefore, I encourage you to disregard the world’s standards and expectations and trust and obey God’s words. Overcome evil by doing what is good, and God will bless you abundantly.
