“Patience withholds: It
withholds vengeance, revenge, and retaliation, and endures instead. It endures
ill treatment. It refuses to be angry, and it desires the offender’s good.” (Elizabeth
George)
One of the most difficult
things to deal with is the hurt that others inflict upon us. When a friend or
family member hurts us more deeply than even our enemies ever could, we are
often tempted to tear them down or verbally get back at them. We may assume
that if we “turn the other cheek” we are letting them off the hook to go about
their merry ways while we suffer from their actions. Our hearts hold on to
hurtful memories with a tight grip, and many times we conjure up ways to seek
revenge or retaliate.
But…seeking revenge makes you as bad as the
person who wronged you!
Having a revengeful, tit for tat attitude,
makes you no different than the one who hurt you; payback does not justify your
actions and nothing good can come from it. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t
hold others accountable for their actions or words, it just means that we make
the decision to let go of our resentment and in humility, seek God’s wisdom. We
must give our burdens to Him and allow Him to carry them for us, knowing that we don't
have to seek revenge on our enemies because God will take his vengeance on
them.
“Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.” (1 Peter 3:9)
“Do not
seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor
as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)
Linking up with Joan and Spiritual Sunday
Linking up with Joan and Spiritual Sunday
Denise...your words hit home. Ouch. I hear you....and Him...loud and clear. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteThey hit home for me as well; I need to listen and pray when feelings of retaliation creep up! :)
DeleteOften, people seek revenge because they cannot let go of the past or they refuse to forgive.
ReplyDeleteSo true Peeches; it's all about forgiveness and a little bit of humility! :)
DeleteHi Denise - so true, revenge and unforgiveness only hurts the one holding on to it. They say unforgiveness is like taking poison and hoping your enemy will die! Great post and i LOVE the new look! soft and gentle! God bless
ReplyDeleteTracy
Thanks Tracy; I owe it all to you! :)
DeleteAhh, you make me blush, lol. God bless Denise my friend
DeleteTracy
How true! I often try to remember that God sees everything; the behavior and the motive underneath that behavior. I'll let Him be the judge and jury. But it can so hard at times when our humanness gets in the way.
ReplyDeleteAw, well said Debbie...my reaction can sometimes not be so humbling, but I have come a long way on learning to have a heart of forgiveness and understanding! :)
DeleteHi Denise love the new layout colors this is much brighter. Revenge is something we should never seek for it only makes matters worst. And than after we make such a mess what do we do go right to God and complain and ask Him to clean up our mess but if we would of left things along in the beginning we never would have to have Him clean up our messes. But that happens when we refuse to be obedient to Him
ReplyDeleteYes! How often I have gone to Him and asked forgiveness for the way I handled a situation! I never want to give up my gift of giving and encouragement, and can't stumble and fall when someone try's to knock me down. :) Thanks Desiray!
DeleteHi Denise! Thanks for this great post! Reminds me of sometimes how I can be judgmental when I choose to bear a grudge upon someone. It's as though I am trying to impose this permanent bad thought about this particular person just because He has done me wrong in the past. But I know that God will want me to respond in love even though that person who hurt me hasn't done so. God bless ya Denise! :D
ReplyDeleteDenise, a wonderfully inspiring post on such a painful topic for some. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI love forgiveness! I've offered it; I've had it offered to me. And of course I love the One who forgave me of every sin--and yet is willing to forgive again when I fail. Excellent words!
ReplyDeleteI see you've been redecorating your blog Denise. Getting caught up in the tit for tat mentality is physically and spiritually draining.
ReplyDeleteThere is such freedom in leaving our revenge to the Lord! His justice is perfect. We may not know or see how God handles those who have done wrong against us, but we can trust that his way is best!
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts on retaliation. Good to remember that the Lord said "Vengeance is mine." He knows that right methods. We do not. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful post.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Denise what a heart hitting post that I can relate to you. Thank you for sharing. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteYou caught me with your Elizabeth George definition - so out of the box that is brings it into sharp focus - and you answered questions I have been turning over in my mind. Such a refreshing perspective - I am so glad I happened upon you today!
ReplyDeleteI love your God-Art, too!
wonderful perspective. i want to live my life depending on God for the result.
ReplyDeleteFirst I would like to thank you for the sweet, encouraging comments on my last blog! Awesome. This blog of yours affects us all. I can read it in the comments. And I struggle with it, some times. I think this is the point the point: bring we our bitterness to Jesus and leave it there, or seek we satisfaction in our anger. Sometimes that's a long way to go. But it is a challenge to do what Jesus wants to teach us: forgive. Thanks for this beautiful and biblical blog, Denise.
ReplyDelete