Overcome
Evil With Good
Bless those who persecute you; bless and
do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the
lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for
evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is
possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never
avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written,
"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your
enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to
drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads." Do
not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:14-21
If is difficult for us to understand how
the Lord Jesus could pray for His brutal executioners to be forgiven. We often
try to excuse our unforgiving hearts by arguing that He was God, whereas we are
sinful creatures. But Jesus calls us to follow His divine example.
Putting into practice the Bible's
directives is not easy. Ask that your heart be filled with compassion for
someone who has wronged you. Ask that your heart be relieved of its unforgiving
spirit. Think of the impact that forgiveness can have on marriages, homes, and
churches.
Ground that is
filled with roots of bitterness
needs to be plowed by
the grace of God.
Our
Daily Bread -