Evil for evil

I was tempted the other day to take someone that had greatly wronged me to task. Grey hair has taken over my head and represents many many years of trials and errors, much of it in dealing with problem people. In the end reason prevailed and I withheld and abated the dark fury that was swirling through my countenance and calmed the storm within me that urged me to repay evil for evil! Just a few short years back when the hair was not so grey and an immature spirit prevailed all of the time within me, I would have counter-attacked my opponent with a vengeance and retaliated with everything at my command.

Through the years, I have learned to never burn a bridge if at all possible and that one never gets even’ by trying to get even’; however it is far easier to say than to do. When I’m wronged, immediately I’m ready to settle the dispute with fists, guns, or knives’, and candidly forgiveness is usually far from my mind. Reason and spiritual training generally take over now and when my ‘brain warms up’ and prior to my engine being engaged’ into action, I can react with reservation, (in most cases).

God stated that vengeance is mine and He means just that. We are not to repay evil with evil. The Bible tells us that if we want to smack someone up side the head, that we should instead be nice to them and in so doing it will be like heaping burning coals on their head. Hmmmm.It is going to be tough to do this as it is quite natural to try and get even. What is unnatural to this world is the concept of grace.

Just think about it though. We have sinned and are a rebellious lot and deserve to be punished ourselves. Not only did God have compassion for us but He sent His Son to die a horrible death on a cross and take our punishment in order that we may be forgiven. God anticipates that we will want to repay evil with evil and cautions us against it and even instructs us that if we withhold forgiveness to those who have wronged us, He will withhold forgiveness from us. God is serious about this and I know that I need to get serious about it.

OK-OK I will do it(Take it from this hothead though, anybody that states that being a Christian is easy is sadly mistaken.)

Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the
sight of all men.
If it is possible, as much as depends
on you, live peaceably
with all men.
Beloved do not avenge yourselves,
but rather give place to
wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance
is Mine I will repay.” says the Lord.
Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed
him;
If he is thirsty, give him a
drink;
For in so doing you will heap
coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.