Revenge
TODAY’S VERSE
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.”
Romans 12:19 (NLT)
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Revenge. What a toxic emotion. What a deceptive motive. It is so easy to slip into this deadly trap. It starts with a wound. Perhaps a deep hurt, humiliation or betrayal. Life isn’t fair, but this is just too much! Soon our wound festers and anger becomes an obsession. But what makes revenge so deceptive is that we don’t have to murder someone to get revenge. Instead, we feel justified in slandering the person, shunning them, campaigning against something they are doing or a million other ways of getting nasty. But this is not revenge. It is getting even, or giving them what they deserve, or settling the score. No, it is revenge. It is hard not to go there. What then can we do? Paul shares the only thing we can do. Let go. Give it to God. Let Him take over your case. The author of Hebrews was serious when he wrote, “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Today, follow that advice. Let God search your heart and then pull out any bitter root that has taken ground in your emotions. Don’t let a wound fester into something worst.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, search my heart. Show me any toxic bitterness I may have. Show me any attitude or behavior of revenge. Forgive me and help me change my attitude. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN
Ron Ovitt is an author, ordained minister, pastoral counselor, recovery coach, and President of Empower Ministry. Besides his lifetime experience of teaching and preaching, Ron has given over 500 lectures on habits, addictions, and emotional & spiritual-related topics. For information on his books, videos, and podcasts, go to www.ronovitt.com<http://www.ronovitt.com>
It is out and out hatred
Of another human being. Hatred destroys. Love builds.
Hatred destroys relationships. Love builds them Hatred destroys relationships that have been built.