11
Jun '20
Not Rendering Evil for Evil
11
Jun '20
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)
Even the most peaceable among us has been upset by what we are hearing, seeing and watching.
It’s hard to not feel heartbroken and angry.
But, when you became a believer you laid down your right to carry anger or hatred.
When you live in a world that says, “I have the right to be angry!” It’s hard to hang on to Kingdom thinking.
Hate is a subtle and comforting lover that begins with blindness… only to progress to slavery and abuse. None of us have the right to hate!
God infuse me with peace that passes all understanding. (Phil 4)
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:8)
When I read this devotion it jumped off the screen at me. I was reminded of Ephesians 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath. I love the point todays devotion is driving home for each and every one of us. May our deepest desire be just this, God infuse me with peace that passes all understanding. None of us have the right to carry anger or hatred. Amen!
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
15
Mar '19
Bearing the Burden of Wrongs
15
Mar '19
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing . . . (1 Peter 3:9)
On January 30, 2018, almost thirty-eight years after his conviction, Malcolm Alexander walked out of prison a free man. DNA evidence cleared Alexander, who had steadfastly maintained his innocence amid a myriad of court proceedings that were tragically unjust. An incompetent defense attorney (later disbarred), shoddy evidence, and dubious investigative tactics all put an innocent man in prison for nearly four decades. When he was finally released, however, Alexander showed immense grace. “You cannot be angry,” he said. “There’s not enough time to be angry.”
Alexander’s words evidence a deep grace. If injustice robbed us of thirty-eight years of our lives and destroyed our reputations, we would likely be angry, furious. Though Alexander spent many long, heartbreaking years bearing the burden of wrongs inflicted upon him, he wasn’t undone by the evil. Rather than exerting his energy trying to get revenge, he exhibited the posture Peter instructs: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult” (1 Peter 3:9).
The Scriptures go a step further: rather than seeking vengeance, the apostle Peter tells us we are to bless (v. 9). We extend forgiveness, the hope of well-being, for those who have unjustly wronged us. Without excusing their evil actions, we can meet them with God’s scandalous mercy. On the cross, Jesus bore the burden of our wrongs, that we might receive grace and extend it to others—even those who have wronged us.
Without excusing their actions, how can you extend mercy to others who have wronged you? What will it mean for you to “bless” them?
God, it’s hard not to want those who hurt me to hurt just as much. Help me to live out Your mercy and grace. Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. What a profound statement, “There’s not enough time to be angry.” May we live our lives each and every day with that statement at the forefront of our minds. It’s always so easy to just react to injustice without giving much thought to extending mercy. Today, when someone cuts you off in traffic, honks at you, treats you wrong, is rude, cranky or careless, the list can go on and on, practice extending mercy. There’s not enough time to be angry.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalms 94:19