The Blessing Going beyond “Getting Even” by Blessing

The Blessing

Going beyond “Getting Even” by Blessing

It is a natural instinct to get back at those who hurt us.

Go to any nursery school and watch the toddlers.

The cute and loveable, full of potential,

can turn to ugly and mean when wronged.

There is a part of us that loves revenge.

It is sad when those who want to win the political race

and become our leaders try to get ahead by getting even.

The Bible tells us our greatest defense against

those who say and do bad things to us…

It is not a mean month, but a mouth of blessing.

Not saying hurtful things, but speaking kindly.

“You’ll never get ahead of anyone as long

as you try to get even with him.” Lout Holtz

   

“The only people with whom you should try to get

even are those who have helped you.” John E. Southard

Romans 12 tells us in light of God’s “Mercy”

we should live our lives.

We are warned about pattern thinking

found in the world around us.

One of those patterns is getting even or getting revenge.

Look at the renewed mind in Chapter 12 of Romans.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”

“Do not take revenge,”

“Do not be overcome by evil.”

Getting even will never get you ahead.

“So if it is possible, as far as it depends

 on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Getting ahead in life is all about

“overcome evil with good.”

Not being concerned about getting even.

Being a leader leaves a trail of

peace for others to follow.

It worked for Jesus - it will work for you.

The strong walk away and finish the race.

Where the weak stay to finish the fight.

Scripture Reading

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:14-21 NIV

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 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. 20 On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.