CHOOSING GOODNESS INSTEAD OF REVENGE WHEN MISTREATED

BIBLE PASSAGE:
You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, 
beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God 
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, 
and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under 
the power of the devil, because God was with him. 
(Acts 10:37-38)

MEDITATION:
There are at least two important things in the bible passage for today:
1.  Jesus went around “doing good”.  
2.  God was with Him.
These are also two very important factors for Christians today.
If we are true and sincere followers of Christ, 
then we should have a strong desire to follow in His footsteps.
Since He was “doing good”, then we should be focused on doing good as well.

The truth is, that’s not always easy, is it?
So, how do we “do good” in the midst of a world bent on “doing evil”?
We recall how God was with Jesus and remember His promise to be with us
(through the Holy Spirit given to believers when they surrender to Him).

As an example (of course we could cite many more), 
how should we react whenever someone hurts us or treats us badly?
First comes resentment, and then comes an attitude of revenge.
Often our natural reaction is to “get even”, isn’t it?
Whenever we try to get revenge, we confirm to the other person 
that they have succeeded in disrupting our lives - which means they win.

That means that we want them to experience the same amount of pain, 
frustrations and anger that we have felt as a result of their actions.
When that is our attitude, then our ‘revenge’ fluctuates 
based on how much we think they have been affected.
If we feel they have suffered as much as we have, then we can ‘back off’.
However, if we feel they have not suffered as much, 
then we feel the need to increase our revenge efforts.

Think about the contrast of the promises of Jesus 
compared with our wrong attitudes.
Jesus said,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you 
as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not 
be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Revenge is a “peace stealer”!
We cannot enjoy His peace while focused on “getting even” with someone.
Isn’t it obvious that a revengeful attitude is from Satan, 
which is detrimental to our efforts of following Jesus by “doing good”?

So, how should we react to the mistreatment from others?
First of all we need to remember that we are not qualified, 
nor do we have the right to take God’s place at anytime, regarding anything.
It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (Psalm 75:7)

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save 
and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12)

We should never try to take the place of God when we have been mistreated;
He is the One who passes judgment and punishes.
For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” 
and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” (Hebrews 10:30)

Secondly, we need to remember 
to continue following in the footsteps of our Savior.
We have been told that we will have troubles 
because we live in an imperfect world.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. 
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! 
I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

The only One who can change the attitudes of people is God, so our efforts 
to get revenge will be futile and create more frustrations for us.
Rather than allowing revenge to ‘eat away’ at us and preoccupy our minds,
we need to follow the advice from the scriptures.

If we are going to experience problems anyway, 
then we should focus on “doing good”. 
For it is better, if it is God’s will, 
to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17)

ACTION:
Perhaps you have been mistreated by someone recently.
Satan will try to convince you that God may not get it right - His timing 
will not satisfy you and you cannot see the other person suffer.
Satan wants you to develop a feeling that you MUST take action.

Rather than trying to replace God and get revenge, let Him handle it.
Rather than allowing Satan to destroy your peace and keep you awake at night,
focus on responding in the same manner as the One you are dedicated to following.
Rather than allowing Satan to gain control of your mind and attitude,
think instead about the next “good thing” you can do for someone else.

Rather than thinking about the impact of the actions of others,
remember the promises from God.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me 
safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. 
Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, You know the troubles I have and the problems 
I will face in the future. Help me to respond in the right way as a 
follower of Your Son, Jesus. Forgive me for the times I have gotten 
in Your way by trying avenge the wrongdoings from others. Develop 
in me an attitude of doing good as opposed to returning evil for evil. 
Thank You for ‘doing good’ to me. Your blessings are too many to count.”

BLOG: utvolwoody.wordpress.com