Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

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Friday, August 5, 2011

Day 48: An Eye for an Eye

Romans 12:17

Never pay back evil with more evil.  Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.  Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
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An eye for an eye is probably one of the things from the Old Testament that most people would still love to practice....I mean, if we are being truthful.

If someone does us wrong, our first instinct is to do something right back to them.  An eye for an eye as it were..... and insult for an insult.  Our first instinct is not usually "Oh, I love them so much!"

Now, imagine if Jesus did the same to us?

Scary thought,  huh?

What if he held a grudge?  What if he held back forgiveness and dished out revenge instead?

We would be in a WORLD of hurt!

We aren't Christ, but we are supposed to do everything in our power to try to be 'Christ-like'.  We need to forgive because that not only is it what Jesus would do.... but because its the right thing to do.... and IF we don't, that anger can poison us.

Another reason we shouldn't pay someone back is because it hurts 'our' testamony.  People see us and like it or not, people judge us.  And while we aren't supposed to care what others think we do need to care if it hurts the name "Christian". Sometimes non-Christians (not all) just hoover around a Christian and just wait for them to mess up ("Oh!  You aren't supposed to say that.  Thought you were  a Christian.") and then everything you have worked for is gone.

Man, that sounds depressing..... Don't give up on me yet!

We can't be perfect... I know I'm WAY down on the 'perfect' list.  We all have days when we shouldn't have even gotten out of bed and moments we'd like to forget.  But if there is something we do continually-- people we can't forgive-- OTHER people-- PEOPLE we are trying to minister too WILL see!

The last part of the scripture is very important-- DO all you can to live in peace with everyone.

Everything you can which means we might not succeed all of the time.  Sometimes we come up against people who won't be happy no matter what.

We do our best and we move on.  We pray for them-- and for ourselves that our hearts don't become hardened and that our mouths don't become bins of gossip against them.

We need to give it to God, and then have peaceful heart.

God Bless You!!

Kelly

(linked with Brag on God Friday )

4 comments:

  1. Wow, I need this reminder on a daily basis. Isn't it funny how we want to practice eye for and eye, but expect everyone else to practice forgiveness. Another good post, Kelly.

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  2. I'm so glad that Jesus doesn't treat me the way I sometimes want to treat other people. He doesn't treat me the way I deserve, He just loves and forgives. I want to be Christ-like in my actions. Great post!

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  3. Hi Kelly - Excellent post. the way people behave these days (and I include myself here, sadly) we need to read this to help us to behave in a Godly manner so that at the end of the day - He receives glory and because of Him, we receive the victory.
    God bless and have a great weekend
    Tracy

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  4. That's a good point, Jennifer. WE always want forgiveness, but we want to not give it to others. Lisa, yes, it's SO great that he doesn't do that :) Tracy, :) its hard to do (I know lol)But yeah, its something we really need to do.

    Have a great weekend :)

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