Reading for Today:
Proverb Chapter 24
Gold Nugget
Verse 29: Do not say, "I will do to him just as
he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."
Commentary
Of all the things we've learned walking with the Lord,
today's "gold nugget" is a lesson that even the most seasoned
Christians seem to have to learn again and again. I have seen older
Christians seek an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. When
someone does us wrong; they're going to pay for it! As Christians, we know
better than to wish or inflict harm on the innocent, but to those that have it
coming - well, we have a different perspective on them. We want justice; even
if we have to make sure it happens. This lesson seems to get shelved in light
of so-called "meatier" Christian principles. In reality, taking our
own vengeance is as immoral as anything we might do. Having vengeance in your
heart will cause spiritual decay. Consider the instructions given
earlier in this chapter; "17 Do not
rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he
stumbles; 18 Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His
wrath from him."
Not only should we avoid taking revenge, but we
shouldn't rejoice when those who hurt us suffer from their sin. Verse 12b "will He not render to each man
according to his deeds?" If God is rendering a man according to his
deeds, do not take pleasure in their suffering. As verse 17 says, "He will turn away His wrath from
Him". It’s not that we avoid taking pleasure so that God will keep His
hand of wrath on our enemies, but we don't want Him to turn away His wrath
simply because of the evil He sees in our hearts. When all else fails, remember
the simple and well know scripture - "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.” (Romans 12:19)
Prayer
Lord, help me to
trust you with all of my passions. I don't want to take vengeance against those
who have hurt me. I don't want to see them suffer, either. If you see fit to
discipline those that hurt me, I will morn for their sin and pray for them. I
will not take pleasure in their pain. Amen
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