Repaying Evil

Romans 12:17-21 (NKJV) 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.

Oh man, do you ever wish vengeance belonged to you? Has someone really wronged you - and the enemy has ever so cleverly given you a list of awesome come-backs & ideas of how to repay? Even better - have you come up with a "Christian" way to be mean back and make it look kind? I'm sure when friends hear about how you have been wronged they unite and share ways for you to repay that evil foe… but how many friends are pointing you to scripture on how to respond? It is always better to allow God to work on the people who have wronged us - not only will He get the credit for turning their life around - you will have remained faithful and now can be a listening ear to the one who wronged you. As you continue to pray for your enemies and bless them (because that is what we are told to do - hello), you are heaping coals of fire on their head - and NO this does not mean you are setting them on fire, I know how the enemy will twist it - rather, that fire will begin to melt their hardened heart so they can come to a place of repentance because of God's kindness! How much better is that than doing it your way by adding fuel to the fire of discord and rage?

Live at peace among others if at all possible for vengeance belongs to God! Repay evil with good - this is where we grow spiritually. I know first-hand it is much easier to say than do, so I encourage you to find a prayer partner when you go through these trials to stand with you because you will need God's strength to help you GROW through the trial. Remain faithful to God's calling on your life and He will use you to reach those that seem unreachable.

Matthew 5:43-48 (MSG) “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. “In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”