See to it that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but
pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
God doesn’t want His children to “render
evil for evil” … to anyone. I believe that God desires this even in our homes. James
1:19 says “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow
to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the
righteousness of God.” James 1:26 says “If anyone among you thinks he is
religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s
religion is useless.” Romans 12:17-21 says “Repay no one evil for evil. Have
regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as
depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, bur rather give place to wrath; for it is
written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your
enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing
you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.” The other day the Lord impressed on my heart that
when a spouse or someone else gets angry with you, if you respond by raising
your voice and getting mad back choosing to defend yourself and spout off that
that is a form of taking vengeance upon yourself and repaying evil for evil.
Ouch! We need to confess this as sin. And keep our peace in the future. I had
never thought of it that way.
Father, we come to You this day and we thank You for the
Holy Spirit’s teaching in our lives. You want us to be holy, even in our homes.
You want our lives to bring glory to Your name. Be with us Lord. Help us to be slow
to speak, slow to wrath, patient and kind, even in our own homes and with
people we love most. May we not be overcome by evil, but may we overcome evil
with good. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment