Evening The Score!

Someone has well expressed:
"Your test of fairness is how fair you are to those who are not!"

It is true that life is not always fair. Justice does not always prevail in this world. Things just don't always work out even. But when someone claims they are going to get even with another, is that truly what they are trying to do? Quite often the attempt is to hit back harder! If they have been dealt a wrong, in the process of getting back, they decide to up the ante. The effort ends up being toward getting even . . . and then some. I believe that is why God's Word directs us away from taking "personal" vengeance. We often lack the self-control needed to deal with such situations ourselves.

Paul exhorted. . .
"(17) Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (19) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' (20) To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." ( Romans 12:17-21 ESV)

Did you note each of the contrasts?
don't repay evil for evil / do what is honorable
don't take revenge / leave it to God
don't be overcome by evil / overcome evil with good

We are encouraged always to DO WHAT IS HONORABLE AND RIGHT regardless of how others have dealt with us. This keeps stability in our life regarding our actions since we know that our actions will be based upon what is right rather than the actions of others. If our actions are based on the actions of others we never know what we might be doing next. That also places our actions (or re-actions) under the control of others rather than under the control of God's Spirit. And if we are in step with God's Spirit we will try to imitate His mercy rather than evening the score. Some things are just better left in the hands of God. I am very thankful to be in His merciful hands. Aren't you? Then let us pass it on!

Have a great day PASSING THE TEST!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 05/28/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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See other teEn-MAIL on Revenge