Choose Forgiveness Over Vengeance

Watching the news, scrolling through social media or just taking an watchful eye on what goes on around us, I can’t help but notice that it seems like everyone is out for vengeance. It’s ridiculous honestly. We have talked repeatedly about forgiveness and it’s a HUGE topic with me as it is the essential piece for our own salvation and God grace. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 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." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”Romans 12:14-21 God calls us to honor everyone, but honoring a person who’s hurt us is a difficult prospect. Doing this begins with another difficult task, choosing to forgive the person. It’s important to remember that forgiveness is not excusing or denying what the person did, nor does it require us to associate with the individual. Forgiveness is giving up the natural desire to see the person who wronged you “get what’s coming to them.” But I still hear it all the time. Sometimes we act like we forgive but yet we openly say, “I can’t wait till they get theirs! Karma is a _____!” That’s missing the mark.The person may have to face the consequences of his actions, but you no longer desire to see him hurt. You acknowledge that the person has wounded you and “owes” you in a sense, but by forgiving, you are choosing to release him from that debt.When we forgive we also honor God, because that is what He did for us when He forgave our sins. Forgiving a person who hurt you is one of the most honorable things you can do because you are choosing love over vengeance. When you trust God to bring justice in His timing and His way, you not only honor the person who hurt you, but you also open yourself to receive healing and experience freedom.Be Nice. Grace wins.