"8 Finally, "ALL OF YOU", have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.
9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."
The above verses were referred to in a sermon I recently heard. The words spoke to me rather bluntly as I was formerly "an eye for an eye" type of person. When a transgression was made, my response was usually one of likemindedness, one that was measured with retribution and carefully calculated. I guess I thought that others could be the pushovers, but I was going to stand for right!
Scripture can be SO unpleasant at times! Hebrews 4:12 says "For the Word of GOD is "living" and "active", sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." The way GOD's Spirit constantly changes my life is a testament to how HIS Word is "living" and "active"! There are some things that used to be acceptable in my life, but as I have matured Spiritually I am no longer allowed to act as "a child" (1 Corinthians 13:11)!
Peter instructs "ALL OF YOU" (US) on how we should respond to bad things in our lives. GOD doesn't need a "hit squad" to perform unpleasant tasks for HIM. HE is capable of exacting retribution with no assistance from mankind. Romans 12:19 says "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of GOD, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I WILL REPAY, says the LORD." Does that verse leave anyone outside of its scope? To make sure 'ALL OF YOU" understood, Peter included the words "ALL OF YOU" in his text!
The thing we need to keep in mind is that the same GOD who said "Vengeance is mine, I WILL REPAY" also says through Peter "that you may obtain a blessing." If we are trying to exact revenge, we are trying to be God to someone who may need to see GOD's mercy and grace. This is not just for us HARD HEADS who can't seem to get things through their thick skulls! The entire Bible is written for "ALL OF YOU"! We just have to slow down enough to hear from HIM!
No comments:
Post a Comment