"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Romans 12:17-18
This is worth repeating. The idea that we should never return evil for evil is an important one that can make a vast difference in our lives. We should never let the bad behavior of others influence the way that we approach a situation. ... And assuredly, I am not saying that it is easy to do so, but there is good reason to try. God is trying to stop the cycle of bad behavior in the world, and we are his means. If it doesn't stop with us, then it doesn't stop at all.
Living kinder and revenge-free lives isn't about becoming doormats, although certainly it might mean that someone wrongs us and temporarily "gets away" with it. Those things are (and should be) in God's hands. If we want God to forgive our offenses, then we need to be willing to forgive others--not to necessarily trust them or let them back into our lives in cases of abuse or ongoing poor behavior, but to not harm them or treat them cruelly. Letting go of anger and resentment is also important, because those things drive the spirit from our lives and get in the way of our communication with God.
This one idea can change our lives and change the world. Today, let's be careful to not return evil for evil. Let's take up our cross, as God asks, and do good, and only good, to others, no matter what situation we are in or how others are acting. (Yes, including traffic.) This is the way to make a difference. Let's get out there and do it. :)
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Romans 12:17-18
This is worth repeating. The idea that we should never return evil for evil is an important one that can make a vast difference in our lives. We should never let the bad behavior of others influence the way that we approach a situation. ... And assuredly, I am not saying that it is easy to do so, but there is good reason to try. God is trying to stop the cycle of bad behavior in the world, and we are his means. If it doesn't stop with us, then it doesn't stop at all.
Living kinder and revenge-free lives isn't about becoming doormats, although certainly it might mean that someone wrongs us and temporarily "gets away" with it. Those things are (and should be) in God's hands. If we want God to forgive our offenses, then we need to be willing to forgive others--not to necessarily trust them or let them back into our lives in cases of abuse or ongoing poor behavior, but to not harm them or treat them cruelly. Letting go of anger and resentment is also important, because those things drive the spirit from our lives and get in the way of our communication with God.
This one idea can change our lives and change the world. Today, let's be careful to not return evil for evil. Let's take up our cross, as God asks, and do good, and only good, to others, no matter what situation we are in or how others are acting. (Yes, including traffic.) This is the way to make a difference. Let's get out there and do it. :)
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