Not everyone has our best interests at heart.
There are those out there who will do us in for the joy of seeing us suffer.
You’ve been there. The coworker who makes digs at you when you’re not even in competition for a promotion. The neighbor that comes at you with threats of lawsuits that blindside you. Or, and this is very common, a sibling with old hurts that bleed out at family get-togethers.
We can get to the point we’ve had enough. We don’t deserve their prickly exteriors. We should be treated kindly, with respect, and as we deserve.
If they only knew what it felt like.
God’s Word tells us to be careful. It’s not our place to even the score. Just because we’re surrounded by thorns and nettles doesn’t mean we can chop down the woodland.
Romans 12:17 gives us a gentle reminder:
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”
When tempers flare, and we want to ball our fist, we must step outside our situation and ask ourselves how others might view our reaction. Will our comeuppance reflect the love of Jesus? No matter how well deserved, is it okay to get back at our tormenter, even if it makes us feel better for the moment?
Our Christian goal is to walk the honorable and respectful path that leads to reconciliation, respect, and resolution.
We must do good, even when evil abounds all around us. Christ is our example. Even when he was abused, his love flowed through his words and actions in everything he said and did.
Jesus wants us to be the best we can be, even when those around us aren’t.
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Code: FGO.J.02.18a.vp.esv