| It is the natural inclination, our hearts being warped by sin as they are, to want to get even with those who mistreat or ignore us. But God’s Word tells us to “say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.” Instead, God tells us who know Him to “see that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men,” and to “bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you,” “not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” “For we know Him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge His people.” So let us not take our case out of His hands, “because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example. … Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.” “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” |
