“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all….do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17, 21
May 22, 2023
There is no bigger word in matters of relationships than the word “forgiveness.” Have you ever been wronged? We all have, and we more than likely have wronged others. There is a gospel way in responding to those who have wronged us. Unfortunately, there are those who will do harm to us in word or deed who will not ask for forgiveness. In all such cases the words of Jesus give us the direction we need: “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mk. 11:25). It is the Christian’s responsibility to never allow the devil and sin to overcome us. When we let evil make us lose self-control, we have been overcome by evil. When we have been wronged we are to forgive. This doesn’t take the one who has wronged us off the hook. One-sided forgiveness is unconditional, a commitment we make to God. It is a guaranteed spiritual vaccine against personal vengeance, bitterness, wrath, clamor, and evil speaking, along with malice (Eph. 4:31-32). This means that we will not dwell on the hurtful incident or seek vengeance or retribution in thought, word, or action. Instead, by God’s grace, we will keep ourselves in a position of forgiveness in which we will pray for the other person and are ready to pursue complete reconciliation as soon as he or she repents. This attitude will protect us from bitterness and resentment, even if the other person takes a long time to repent (Ken Sande, The Peacemaker). This is a way that evil can be overcome by good.
H
“Bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting your enemy to die!”