Repay Evil with Grace
Some people go out of their way to be mean. It’s a sad fact of life. You will probably run into someone like this at some point. Also, it could be a person that is having a bad day and they take it out on you. What will your reaction be? The Bible says that we should repay evil with grace.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear 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.
Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)
It May Not be Easy at First
When I first started to do this, it took everything within me. However, the closer my relationship is with God, the easier this has become. I’m not perfect and I will fail at times. However, I actively practice holding my tongue, silently praying, and offering grace. This is not to say that you should allow people to harm you or walk all over you. However, retaliation for the sake of repaying evil will cause you harm as well. Instead, allow justice to prevail where required and offer grace.
Do Not Hold Evil in Your Heart
If someone has done something wrong to you, and you hang on to that anger, you are harming yourself. That anger can eventually cause you to do something that is not in God’s will. Pray about it and ask God to help you get rid of the anger instead. It is holding you back.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
Psalm 37:8 (NIV)
Release it and Move Forward
We need to offer grace and forgiveness. This frees us and allows us to move forward. God said that it is His to avenge and repay. If justice needs to be served, follow the proper channels, but do not take revenge yourself. Do not allow evil to win. Repay evil with grace and allow God to move in the situation.
Have a blessed week!
Are you struggling with the belief that God actually loves you? Do you struggle to believe that He wants a real relationship with you? I struggled with this for years. Through studying the scripture, I grew to understand God’s love, grace, and mercy. I created a 30-day book that I believe will help you, too.
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