Devotion:
Read Romans 12:17-21.
These verses come at the end of a chapter in which Paul encourages us to be living sacrifices for Christ, to put our spiritual gifts to work serving others, and to sincerely love others...even those who persecute us. Now, in this passage, he tells us not to take revenge. This is a hard lesson, because when we are harmed or hurt or slandered by someone, our most basic human instinct is to strike back, to hurt the other party, and to find justice for ourselves.
We are in the midst of a campaign year for the Presidency. We knew it was going to be a difficult year, and it is living up to and exceeding our expectations. When a candidate makes an accusation that is harmful to another candidate, the response is almost always swift and sure, and it looks a lot like revenge. A few candidates in the primary elections as well as in the general election will try to focus on the issues and avoid revengeful, personal responses. But few will be successful in doing this, as their supporters will push them to get even, strike back, and score points against their opponent. Perhaps we can learn from this bad behavior, refuse to take revenge, and overcome evil with good.
Personal Worship Option:
As you pray today, think about times you may have taken revenge to get even for a slight or harm done to you. Are you considering striking back even now? Pray for the discipline to do the very hard thing and let God deal with it instead. Others will expect you to take revenge, and refusing to do so will be a real witness to them.
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