Redemptive Revenge

Romans 12:17-21

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Bee's Thoughts:

This is not just a passive advice… it is active. It calls for more than just forgiveness for my “enemy”… it requires me to do something “good”.

Keeping this passage in mind has helped me practice more self-control and to manage my emotion of hurt and anger better when being provoked. It’s a human tendency to hit back whenever we are hurt or angry. However, by using this wise advice from the Bible, it has helped me made peace with my “enemies” very quickly most time. I would keep quiet instead of hitting back. I would try to listen to the other party, try to figure out what I have done or say wrongly that has provoked the other to person anger, and I would say “Sorry” for my part of the fault. I would usually initiate the reconciliation process, but it’s up to the other party to accept or to reject it.

Thank You, Lord, for teaching me how to handle my “enemy”.

...the devotion of Bee