SCRIPTURE: Romans (NIV) 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
OBSERVATION: Sometimes there is a great temptation to” get even,” or to “make someone pay” for their wrong. But Vengeance is best left in the hands of the Almighty God; no one can escape His re-payment. It is best left in the hands of the Holy God who will not further the cause of sin. It is best left in the hands of the All-wise God who understands and cannot be fooled, and who is able to work through all things for our good and His glory. It is best left in the hands of our Creator God who made us and knows how to make the punishment fit the crime. It is best left in the hands of the Loving God who passionately loves both the victim and the offender.
APPLICATION: I must be careful not to take vengeance into my own hands and crowd God out of the picture. When I do, I only make a bad situation worse.
When I truly consider God’s character, it becomes obvious that He is the proper one to “avenge” and “repay.”
So what should I do? Release the responsibility for revenge into God’s hands. AND look for an opportunity to do something good for my offender.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, grow your character in me. May your love be easily seen in my actions and reactions. Amen.
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
God is at work in Sierra Leone with Pastor Andrew. After surgery to relieve the pressure In his head, he remains in the “emergency room” with no visitors except his wife, Doris who takes him his meals. Doris has been able to pay back the money she borrowed for the blood needed for the surgery and purchase some, but not all, of the medicine the doctor has prescribed. Mentioning Pastor Andrew before God’s throne is bringing the victory. God has much in store for Africa through him.
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 