Thursday, September 18, 2008
Romans 12:14-21
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 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.” 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.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (ESV)
by Angie Osborn
This passage is one that is just hard to accept! Our human nature is to somehow “get even” with those who hurt us or do wrong to us. As always, God has a better plan. He tells us to “let go and let God.” We are to work to live in peace and to repay good with evil. He calls us to be an example of his love and mercy on earth. It is a powerful blow to Satan when we respond to evil with Christ’s love. Unfortunately, this is no easy task, but God does not ask us or expect us to do it alone. He will give us the strength, the love, the forgiving heart, and the courage to act in love; in doing that, we bring glory and honor to him.
Copyright Information
Daily Bible Meditations are taken from The Helping Hand,a Sabbath School student quarterly for youth and adults. Copyright © 2008, Seventh Day Baptist Board of Christian Education, Inc.
Scripture quotations marked "ESV" are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service .
