GET EVEN OR GET AHEAD

Time wasted in getting even will never assist us in getting ahead.

Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.  (1 Thessalonians 5:15 ERV)

We feel hurt and violated when someone’s unkind words or actions take away our dignity and leave us scared, and in need of healing. We want that person to admit to the harm they have caused us. We want them to make amends.  If they don’t, something arises within us and makes us want to “get even with them.” 

When a person verbally abuses us, we may think we will feel better if we yell back at that person or retaliate by publicly shaming them in some way.  Research tells us we are no better off even as soon as five or fifteen minutes later. We violate our own soul and our own standards of right and wrong when we shout and behave badly in pursuing revenge. God has a better plan. 

Don’t do wrong to anyone to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Or don’t insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you. But ask God to bless them. Do this because you yourselves were chosen to receive a blessing.  A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow. (1 Peter 3:9, Proverbs 15:1 ERV)

The bottom line is, each one of us has done many wrong things over the course of our lives, and maybe even in the past few days. We come to God and seek His forgiveness for what we have done, and we should.  But God links our forgiveness of what we have done to our willingness to forgive others for the wrongs they have done to us.  Let’s not waste time by trying to get even and instead co-operate with God and really get ahead.

When you are praying and you remember that you are angry with another person about something, forgive that person. Forgive them so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins.  (Mark 11:25 ERV)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, It’s so hard to not seek revenge when I have been wronged.  I lay this desire to “get even” aside and ask You to fill my heart with the higher good of forgiving others for their wrongs as I have been forgiven for the wrongs I have done.  Amen