Time wasted in getting even can never be used in getting ahead.
Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people. (1 Thessalonians 5:15 ERV)
We feel hurt and violated when another’s unkind words or actions take away our dignity and leave us scarred and in need of healing. We want an admission of guilt for the harm done to us. We want them to make amends. If they don’t, we often find that something arises within us and makes us want to “get even.”
While we may think we will feel better if we shout back at a person who has shouted at us, or retaliated by bringing shame or harm to someone for what they have done, research tells us we’re not better off even as soon as five or fifteen minutes later. We violate our own soul and our own standards of right and wrong when we speak and behave badly in pursuing revenge. God has a better plan. Don’t do wrong to anyone to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Or don’t insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you. But ask God to bless them. Do this because you yourselves were chosen to receive a blessing. A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow. (1 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 15:1 ERV)
The bottom line is that each of us has done many wrong things over the course of our lives, and often even in the past few days. We come to God and seek His forgiveness for what we have done, and we should. But God ties our forgiveness of what we have done to our willingness to forgive others for the wrongs they have done. Let's not waste time trying to get even and instead co-operate with God, receive His peace and move on..
When you are praying and you remember that you are angry with another person about something, forgive that person. Forgive them so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins. (Mark 11:25 ERV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, it’s so hard to not seek revenge when I have been wronged. I lay this desire to “get even” aside and ask You to fill my heart with the higher good of blessing others so blessing and honour can grow in my own heart. Amen
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