Romans 12:14–19 (NKJV)
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with
those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind
toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with
the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for
evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible,
as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 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 may feel good for the moment but in the end it leads to the destruction of
the soul. Vengeance, getting even, speaking our mind, letting others know
how badly we have been treated. The pain emotional or physical is built up
inside of us and we must let it be vented.
Retaliation seems so comforting. We plan how we are going to get back at
those who have hurt us. The problem with the plan is we are looking to hurt
those who have hurt us. Paul’s answer to retaliation is to rely on God’s
enduring providence and His judgement. Christians are children of God. Just
as loving parents will stand for the rights of of their children, God will
stand for us.
What Paul wrote was to the church. We have a responsibility to our fellow
brothers and sisters in Christ. We also have a responsibility to the lost. We
are to exemplify the love of Christ to those who do not know Him.
Jesus said in Luke 19:10, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” We are God’s instrument of righteousness.
Romans 6:13– “And do not present your members as instruments of
unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive
from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.”
Every part of our being belongs to God. We are to present ourselves to the
world as God’s instrument of righteousness. When Jesus was put on the
cross, he did not curse but offered Himself as a living sacrifice for the sins of
others. It is sometimes hard but we must present ourselves as God’s
instrument of righteousness.
We must remember revenge may bring temporary relief, but in the long run,
it will eat away at our soul. I know! I have been there. It was not until I let
go of hurt, anger, and the thoughts of retaliation that my life was opened to
God to use me. Trust God…Love your enemies as God loves. Those I saw as
enemies became lifelong friends.