NEVER TAKE REVENGE

 

Thursday, October 22, 2020 Let It Go LISTEN   “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the LORD.” —Romans 12:19 When someone hits us, we want to hit back, don’t we?  When someone hurts us, we want to hurt them.  We want payback.  We want to settle the score. But if you’re a Christian, that isn’t the way you should live. Don’t avenge yourself. God says,  “I will take revenge; I will pay them back” (Romans 12:19 NLT). If anyone knew what it was like to be mistreated, the apostle Paul did.  In fact, I would say that no other leader in the first century suffered more than Paul.  Yet he wrote, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God” (Romans 12:19 NLT).  And Paul modeled this principle as well. When he was arrested with Silas for preaching the gospel, their Roman jailer was especially cruel.  He had them severely beaten with rods, fastened their feet in stocks, and put them into the deep recesses of a filthy, horrible dungeon. Then we read,  “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening” (Acts 16:25 NLT).  You might say they brought the house down, because an earthquake shook the place. The jailer realized he was dead because in those days if you lost your prisoners, the Romans would execute you—and maybe even your family. But Paul called out to him and said,  “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” (verse 28 NLT).  And ultimately, this Roman jailer and everyone in his household put their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul could have allowed him to take his own life, but he extended grace to him instead.  Is there someone you can think of who has hurt you?  It’s time to forgive.  When you’re hurt or wronged, let God settle the score, not you.  Let it go. Share this today:     Thriving in Love and Money? Receive a copy for your gift of support today » Over 90 percent of couples experience some level of tension around money. In fact, money issues are the number one stressor in relationships. Thriving in Love and Money is based on original research Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn have conducted to get to the heart of these issues. Let this book deepen your understanding of each other. Donate now and receive your copy! Copyright © 2020 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Harvest Ministries exists with your support to Know God and Make Him Known. If you would like, you can update your preferences. This email may be considered an advertising or promotional email. Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie P.O. Box 4000, Riverside, CA 92514-4000 Phone: 1-800-821-3300