“Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God’s anger do it. For the scripture says, ‘I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.'” —Romans 12:19 (GNT)
One of the things I love about the Scriptures is that they give us clear guidelines on how God wants us to live. Our opening text highlights one of these vital principles. How have you been living your life? Have you always tried to avenge yourself? If your answer is yes, the Lord wants you to stop and leave vengeance to Him, because He knows how to satisfy the demands of divine justice.
As you continue in your walk with God, avoid taking revenge. You must give up the idea of “energy for energy” because it is not scriptural. Unfortunately, this mindset has become a subtle practice among many believers who use it to satisfy a craving for retaliation. They feel justified when they match someone’s negative energy, but they do not realize that God is displeased with this behavior.
The Bible never encourages us to trade negative energy. Instead, it instructs us: “If someone has done you wrong, do not pay him back with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.” —Romans 12:17–18 (GNT). Furthermore, 1 Peter 3:9 reminds us: “Do not pay back evil with evil or cursing with cursing; instead, pay back with a blessing, because a blessing is what God promised to give you when he called you.” —1 Peter 3:9 (GNT).
The next time you are tempted to give “energy for energy” to a brother or sister, remember what the Scriptures teach and do what is right. Responding with grace will never diminish you. Instead, it positions you to receive God’s blessings. Praise God!
Today’s Rhema
Energy for energy is not of God. What God desires from you is that you do not repay evil with evil, but instead respond with love and blessings.
Prayer
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for opening my eyes to this truth and teaching me how to live peacefully with others. I choose to walk in love by returning good for evil rather than evil for evil. I declare that as I walk in obedience, I am positioned for greater blessings and exploits, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
