Do good to those who hate us? That is a very hard thing to do. Our first human resolution is to get even. Hurt them back or even better. Hurt them before they hurt us.
But God has a better plan. God always has a better plan. The Father asks, will you hear? In other words, listen to Me. Return good for hate.
Why?
The business of revenge is not ours. The believer who cannot forgive is forgetting the forgiveness he has received from Jesus. When we forgive those who hurt us , we can move on. But we move on, assured that the outcome is in God’s hands. He sees what we cannot see. He is a just God.
~Thought For Today~
It is not natural to do good to anyone who curses or hurts us, sometimes in a most horrific way. Jesus will take care of that battle for us. The shame they will feel, at the grace you are able to give in return for evil, will perhaps lead to repentance and reconciliation in their life.
To be kind to someone who daily intends to hurt you and set you up for failure, seems impossible. But we know, if we are believers in Christ, it is possible, because:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Even, forgive. It is God’s will that we do this, even in the midst of pain. It sets us on the road to healing. Moves us out-of-the-way so that God can do what God does.
~Scripture For Today~
Luke 6:27
27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NASB)
Proverbs 25:20-22
20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart. 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you. (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! We seek Your will this morning. We desire to be like Jesus. Sometimes that is so hard to do,surrounded by evil. We know that Jesus forgives us daily and we are to be like Him. We need help with that. Help us forgive the unforgivable. Thank You for the forgiveness we receive daily, for our own sins. In Jesus’ name.