How To Overcome The Temptation To Retaliate

How to Overcome the Temptation to Retaliate

(Rom 12:19-21)

Illustration:A man who had been having problems with an unreasonable neighbor finally had to defend himself legally against unwarranted and dishonest actions. He commented, "I have tried to follow Romans 12:18, but in a case like this I thank the Lord for the ’escape clause’ He put in this text. It does not say that we have to live peaceably with all men under every circumstance--for even the Lord recognizes that with some people this is not possible."

Unfortunately, too many people do not do all that is possible to live peaceably. This reminds me of a story about a boy who asked his dad, "How do wars begin?" The father replied, "Well, World War I began because Germany invaded Belgium." At this point his wife interrupted, "Tell the boy the truth. It began because somebody was murdered." The husband quickly retorted, "Are you answering the question or am I?" The wife stormed out of the room and slammed the door as hard as she could. When the room stopped vibrating, an uneasy silence followed. The son then said, "Daddy, you don’t need to tell me how wars begin. Now I know!"

Are you quick to retaliate, or have you cultivated a peaceable spirit? Jesus prayed for His enemies. Do you? Today, do all you possibly can to live peaceably. --Henry G. Bosch (Our Daily Bread

Many people struggle to overcome the temptation to take vengeance into their own hands. However, Paul once wrote, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19-21)

It takes the grace of God to apply this truth in all areas of our life. When we have been cheated, abused, or falsely accused it is our natural tendency to try to return evil for evil. Consider Jesus Christ’s response to mistreatment. "When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." (I Pet. 2:23) Let us understand the proper ways to identify with Christ when we are unjustly treated.

Quote: (Our Daily Bread)

When anger lingers in our heart,

It poisons all we think and do;

But faith seeks ways to show God’s love

And keeps our spirit strong and true.

Getting even takes you down to the level of your offender.

1. Do not be surprised that you are called to suffer indignities, abuses, or mistreatments for Jesus’ sake. All of life is not fair. "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But, rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory rests upon you." (I Pet. 4:12-14) The more we identify with Christ and His ministries the more we will share in His empowerment, purposes, and processes.

2. Recognize that the Lord may allow certain abuses for your greater humility, purity and godliness. Sometimes the only way that God is able to get through our thick skulls is to show us how we need His intercessory help. Job endured great abuse from his friends, family and even his beloved wife who told him, "Just curse God and die." All of these mistreatments allowed Job to know that God’s sovereign will is often beyond human understanding. Yet, Job was able to resign himself to the truth, "Lord, I know you can do all things and no purpose of yours can be thwarted." (Job 42:1,2)

3. Remember to be like the patient farmer who endures great uncertainties with the weather until he finally harvests the crops. "See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop…You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door. (James 5:7-9)It is often said that farmers have to endure many seasonal changes, severe weather or draught before they are able to see miraculously how God brings in them to harvest time. We are all spiritual farmers who are dependent on the Lord in all areas for a fruitful harvest. Everything we have comes from God. The world, the people in it, and all of the affairs of life are in the hands of God. Remember the great song, "He’s got the whole world, in His hands!"