Ancient Words For Today - 62
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as loath in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, smith the Lord. Therefore if thane enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
God's desire is that all men recognize and acknowledge their sins and turn to Him, seeking His forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:7-9 God always hears the prayers of repentant sinners who come to Him for forgiveness and redemption. God delights to shed his grace upon us and to give us new life. It is because God loves us that He is willing to forgive all manner of sin that even the vilest of sinners has committed. God calls upon His children to be likeminded, showing love to evildoers who have wronged or hurt us or others, and doing good things for their benefit. We do so not because they deserve it but because God has asked us to be graceful and forgiving, reflecting Our Heavenly Father's love for us and them.
It may be that in doing good to those who do evil things, they will be ashamed of their evil behavior, seek God's forgiveness, and be transformed. Even if they don't respond favorably to our love, we are not to avenge ourselves by doing evil things to them in return. Rather, we are to let God deal with their unrepented sins because, as He said: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, sayeth the Lord. If that doesn't happen during their lifetime on earth, it will certainly happen at the Great White Throne Judgment when God will judge the evil deeds of those who have rejected His plan of salvation and they will forever be separated from God's presence and love.
I recall that I was not very receptive to the people who tried to witness to me about God's love and plan of salvation at various times in my life . In fact, I would become defensive, sarcastic and rejected the notion that I somehow needed to ask God to forgive my sins and relinquish control of my life to Him. I didn't think I was a bad person and I saw no need to ask God for His help to live my life. I considered that to be a crutch weak people clung to and didn't think I needed those things. I am so thankful that there was one man who cared enough about my future to continue to share his faith with me and my need for God, even though I wasn't very nice to him. Later that evening I realized that he had told me the truth. I prayed, asking God to come into my life, forgive my sins, and take the reigns of my life and the helm of my ship. This was exactly what I needed and it changed my life forever. This man was obedient to God's calling - being concerned about my eternal future, showing me love, and drawing my attention to God's love and my need to turn to God. From this personal experience I can attest that the scripture is true - we can indeed overcome evil with good. We need to believe this and do it.
Here is how Jesus said we should respond: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Luke 6:27-36
Thank you Lord for Your mercy, grace, and forgiveness that You so lovingly have given us. Please help us to better reflect your love in our dealings with others, especially those who hurt us and others by the things they say and do. We pray that they might come to know You personally, experience your incredible love, and be set free. Amen.