Get Even Or Get Ahead

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.”  

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 our forgiveness for what we have done is impacted by 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.