How many times in life has someone mistreated you either by betraying your trust, physically harming you, or lying about you? The first thing most want to do is seek revenge. Yet, God’s way is to refuse vengeance. So, how do you deal with these feelings of vengeance when you are hurting, and all you can think about is how to get even? As with anything else we face in life that we have yet to master, we dig in and find out what God says.
Paul writes in Romans 12:17 that we are not to return evil for evil. We are to maintain our testimony for the Lord by reacting like Jesus. For the majority of Christians, this is one of the most difficult commands to obey. It doesn’t make sense to the natural man. Yet, the hardest command is one that Christ is unyielding on. It also teaches us to provide, which means to think or meditate before we act. So often, we react to situations that upset us or when we feel an injustice has been done without thinking it through. We are not to allow our passions to be the driving force of our behavior. For this reason, it is vital that we prepare ourselves for these situations before they happen. We must meditate on God’s word and plan to react like Jesus. In Mark 15:3-5 Jesus was on trial, but He did not defend himself. Our behavior is a testimony of who we are and who we belong to.
Romans 12:17 “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”
Mark 15:3-5 “And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marveled.”
In verse 18, Paul tells us to live peaceably with all men. The only way this is possible is for us to surrender our pride. Most fusses and problems with others arise because we are not humble. We allow this sinful nature of pride to well up within us, and we are not concerned about how others feel or view our response. We want what we think is ours and dare anyone to infringe upon it. This attitude is contrary to the Bible and the attitude of Christ.
Rom 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
What will happen if we start living this way? Will others run all over us at will? In verse 19 we see the results of obedience. God will fight our battles for us. He is far more capable of defending us or avenging us than we are ourselves. He is wise and knows how best to protect us. He knows the complete story and we don’t. He is perfect in His justice, and He will use our circumstances to speak to the hearts of those who don’t know Him or those who are in a backslidden condition. He says He will repay, and we must trust Him to do it. While we trust God to take care of things His way, we need to pray for those who have done us wrong. Get your mind on other things and turn loose from trying to fight your battles.
Rom 12:19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
In verses 20 and 21, we see that God’s ways are much higher than our ways. He does not do what our adversary is expecting. He feeds them if they are hungry. He quenches their thirst. This will “heap coals of fire on his head.” Of course, this is not literal, but if we refuse to retaliate in a manner that is expected, our adversary will feel shame and remorse for mistreating us. He will have to deal with his conscience. There will be no one to blame for his actions but himself. If our lack of retaliation can be an instrument in the hands of the Holy Spirit then God is glorified by our obedience. Our human nature is to always blame someone else for our problems. However, if we are treated as God treats us, with grace and mercy, then the person must look inward. Only then can a man repent and be in correct fellowship with His creator.
Don’t be sucked into the scheme the devil has planned to make the world see you as being no different than anyone else. His desire after you are saved is to tempt you to sin and destroy your relationship with God. The next best thing, if he fails in that, is to destroy your testimony with those you have tried to influence for Christ.
Romans 12:20 “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
Be wise and don’t fall prey to his deceit, but live according to Romans 12:21 “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Many Thanks