“May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you. As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes wickedness.’ But my hand shall not be against you.”
- God responded to our sin by loving us so much that He did not want to see us perish, so sent His Son to die in our place. The righteousness of God is seen in you when the way others treat you, does not affect your love for them. It is not our job to “get back” at someone for doing us wrong. We have been tasked with forgiveness and love.
- What sets you apart as a Christian during conflict?
- What is in your heart when someone wrongs you, either by their actions or their words?
Romans 12:17-21 “Repay no one evil for evil but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 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.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Matthew 5:44-47 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”