Sunday, January 29, 2012

Proverbs 20:22 Good vs. Evil


Proverbs 20:22 (AMP) Do not say, I will repay evil; wait [expectantly] for the Lord, and He will rescue you.
Proverbs 24:29 (NLT) And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!”
When we are wronged, not only are we offended, at times we are also temped to retaliate. Strong emotions cry out for a strong response. This is only natural but not godly. As passionate followers of Jesus we are called to a higher past. We cannot be driven by our emotions and at the same time respond by the spirit. Out trust is in God, recognizing that He alone is our defense. We do not take matters into our own hands but “Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous.Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NLT)
This is difficult In the face of injustice. The caution is these verses is not one of inaction. Godly wisdom demands that we choose to respond to evil in the opposite spirit. As you read the following verses notice the specific call to ACTION, 1) Resist vengeance 2) Trust God for justice 3) do good to the offending party 4) pray 5) have pity.
Romans 12:17, 19-20 (AMP) 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.; 19  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. 20  But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. 21  Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 (AMP) See that none of you repays another with evil for evil, but always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody.
1 Peter 3:9 (AMP) Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].
Only as we give ourselves fully to the Lord can we hope to walk above the pain, to resist our sinful urges, and respond in the Spirit. To this we have been called! 
Heavenly Father, you know the weakness of my human nature. You know that at times I am angry at those who have hurt me or members of my family. PLEASE help me to obey you commands. Help me so that I am not overcome by evil. Help me to overcome by doing good. In Jesus name, Amen.

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