Psalm 21, 1 Corinthians 15:17-22

When someone hurts us, it’s in our nature to want to retaliate. To make them feel, not only the same, but worse pain than they caused us. But instead of encouraging revenge or getting even, God demands something unfair, undoable, and unjust. Not only does He want us to leave the punishing to Him, but He expects us to forgive our enemies. And most infuriating of all, to pray blessings into their lives. Seriously? 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my enemies to prosper. I want God to make them suffer. That’s why I found Romans 12:19  so encouraging. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Vengeance! That’s what they deserve. Only, God’s idea of vengeance and mine were pretty different. Where I wanted Him to dole out a punishment to those who hurt me, He wanted to give me a blessing far greater and more satisfying than any  revenge.

2 Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence..” That’s the blessing. God’s divine power through the Holy Spirit that works inside of us. The power of God which allowed David to rule as king, defeat his enemies, and experience victory over trials. And the same power that allows us to forgive others, restore broken relationships, and have hearts overflowing with grace and mercy instead of dried and hardened from bitterness and revenge.

Once we were enemies of God. Yet from the richness of His unmerited grace and mercy, He provided a path to forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life. “Most blessed forever,” the Lord gives us mercy instead of death. Grace instead of anger. And love instead of retribution. So when facing our enemies we can, like David, rejoice, singing praises to God’s power. And follow the example of Jesus who, “committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth. When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:22-23)

Pause and Reflect -

Proverbs 28:25 warns, “He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.” When someone hurts you, is your first response to hurt them back or do you first go to the Lord? Has anger ever gotten the better of you and caused you to regret your actions? 

Are you rejoicing in the power of God? The power that allows you to defeat sin, forgive the unforgivable, boldly share the Gospel, and face all enemies knowing through God the victory is already yours? How have you seen God’s power work in your life? 

Finally, let’s pray together,

Our dearest Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Father life is hard, and people hurt us. But instead of responding in anger and hate, may we show the same love, mercy, and forgiveness that you show us daily. We pray that you would take our hard hearts of flesh, softening, and molding them into hearts of Christ. Father, Your word declares that all power belongs to You, yet You generously give that power to indwell those who believe in Christ Jesus. May we use that power in goodness to others, manifesting Your glory on earth. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen.

 Lisa