It really doesn't matter what the circumstance it, revenge is never a good option. Sure, there are times when we're deeply offended. There are times when we KNOW the other person is wrong - and then there are times when they actually are.
What is it about our nature that makes us want to lash out and make people pay for their hurtful actions? Is it that our pride has been tainted? Do we feel the need to avenge the hurts of others? And why is it that when we choose to 'put someone in their place' we do it under the guise of 'defending righteousness'?
One of my favorite books is Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards, and Chapter 6 is my favorite chapter. Probably because it speaks so loudly against the natural reaction of humanity.
"When someone throws a spear at you, David, just wrench it out of the wall and throw it back. Everyone else does, you can be sure.
And in performing this small feat of returning thrown spears, you will prove many things: You are courageous. You stand for the right. You boldly stand against the wrong. You are tough and can't be pushed around. You will not stand for injustice or unfair treatment. You are the defender of the faith, keeper of the flame, detector of all heresy. You will not be wronged. All of these attributes then combine to prove that you are also a candidate for kingship. Yes, perhaps YOU are the Lord's anointed.
After the order of King Saul.
There is also a posibility that some twenty years after your coronation, you will be the most incredibly skilled spear thrower in the realm. And also by then...
Quite mad."
Joshua 23:3 says, "You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the Lord your God who fought for you. (emphasis added).
God fights for us. Why do we doubt that? We are so blessed, yet we trust so little. No, that's an incorrect statement.
We trust God will fight for us... when it's someone else who is being targeted by the spear...
Trusting is much easier when we're asking someone else to do it.
I have nothing to add to this.
But I am glad you FINALLY updated!! They way you think is fabulous. (Or really, the way Jesus thinks, because we all know you couldn't do it on your own! :oD lol)
Love ya!
Posted by: amy | March 28, 2010 at 02:12 PM