Romans 12:19-21
Dear friends, don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, “I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.”
The Scriptures also say, “If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads.” Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few days ago, I stood in line at the Wal-Mart service desk to return an item. As I approached the desk, I observed two “associates” helping customers. Alongside me was a couple who walked up about the same time I did, and another man standing nearby. Honestly, I could not tell who was in line where, but we were all standing closer to the vicinity of one particular clerk. I was prepared to allow the couple standing next to me to proceed first. The more distant clerk finished with her customer, and the lone man stepped up to her register.
Immediately, there was noise from the couple standing beside me. The man began in a low grumble to say, “That’s it… just step on up, boy! Never mind if it’s your turn or not… just act like you own the place!” The woman beside him began muttering, “That’s enough, Joe! Stop it, Joe!” The man got louder and angrier with his snide comments while the woman stiffened and pretended not to notice. His entire body language said, “Let me at him… we will settle this in a fist fight!” I stood beside them and observed, and when the clerk in front of us finished with his customer, these people stepped up to be next in line without another word.
I’m not sure that the clerks ever knew what was happening. As far as I could see, the other man who had stepped up in line had no idea he was cutting ahead of these people, either. But I watched the couple finish their business and leave the store, and I was silently very sorry for the woman who has to put up with this angry man – and for the man who lets such pettiness ruin his day.
As I read this scripture passage, I realized that each one of us does exactly the same thing as this man… some of us on a daily basis. We let the little things take a toll on us. And whether we physically act on them or not, we seek revenge in our hearts. We mentally plot how to “get even” with the person who has “done us wrong.” And this has a cumulative effect… we become more cynical, bitter, and miserable. And the devil jumps up and down, claps his hands… and claims the victory!
Look…life is simply not fair. People will step in front of us in line… sometimes on purpose! We will be ignored, disrespected, used and mistreated. So was Jesus! If we want to be like Him, we have to truly BE like Him. We have to love the unlovely – and those who do not treat us fairly. We have to be His hands and feet to those who are ungrateful and greedy… the ones who never say “Thank you” and expect the moon with a sense of entitlement.
“But I don’t want to be a doormat!” you may say. Nobody does! But there is a difference in being a “doormat” and meeting the needs of others with kindness. Ask God to show you where to draw the line. You don’t have to give someone your last dollar at your own expense… but you can’t ignore his/her need if you have something you can afford to share. And kindness never cost anyone a cent!
If you are the person who lets others get to you… or the impatient “Joe” in the line at Wal-Mart, ask God to help you work on this. Pray for patience, mercy, and peace. Don’t let evil… or the devil… defeat you. Make this the day you get busy letting God have your battles… and changing your attitude in the bargain! When you let go of all of the negative energy that fuels thoughts of retaliation or offense, you begin to operate in the satisfaction of knowing that God has your back.
Aren’t you ready to bask in God’s peace? What do other see in you each day… the devil’s anger, or the love of Christ? Who do you represent?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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