Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Today’s Text: Romans 12:14-21
Key Verse: Romans 12:19 (NLT): Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord."
It's so very easy for us to be vengeful when people offend us, isn't it?! A soldier serving in Iraq received a letter from his girl friend who was breaking up with him, and wanted him to send the picture she had given him when he left because she needed it for her new boyfriend. The soldier was heart broken and told his friends of his terrible situation. So his whole platoon got together and brought all their pictures of their girlfriends, and put them in a box and gave them to him. So he put her picture in the box with the rest along with a note that said, “I’m sending back your picture to you please remove it and send back the rest. For I can’t remember which one you are.” Don't we all love to be this way? An egg for my rum: the hen that poured my rum must loose its egg!
Revenge is a complex and multifaceted act of taking retaliation or getting even with someone for a perceived wrong or injustice. It is often motivated by anger, hurt, or a desire for justice leading to a cycle of retaliation, causing harm to individuals and/or people. The word of God cautions us from acting like that soldier. God calls us to surrender our desire to Him. Perhaps the consequences of seeking revenge is at His heart: He knows it never brings true satisfaction or peace. He wants us to reflect on the power of overcoming evil with good. And, yes, He wants us to respond to a difficult situation with His kind of kindness and love.
How good would it be then if Christians always sought to forgive, restore and resolve conflict as alternative approaches to addressing wrongdoing? We can see in today's text and other scriptures that revenge is never justified in New Testament Christianity. And it never brings closure or healing. So, how can we break the cycle of revenge and promote constructive conflict resolution? First, we must identify a situation in which we feel the desire for revenge. Trust God for ways we can respond with kindness and love instead. We can choose one action to take today, and ask God for the courage to follow through.
Action Step: Take a few moments each day to reflect on your thoughts. Ask God to reveal any foolish thinking patterns and to guide you towards wisdom and faith.
Quote for the Day: "Revenge is a poison that consumes the vessel that holds it, leaving only bitter remnants of what could have been a sweet life." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to release the desire for revenge and trust in Your justice. Give me the strength to overcome evil with good, even when it's hard. Please teach me how to respond to difficult situations with love and kindness— in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
For further inquiry and free spiritual help, visit or write:
The Darling Bishop,2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA
+1 (407) 360-8280; (817) 822-8441
[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. You can be a part of this great and free course through a one-time or recurring donation. To give through Zelle and CashApp, please use +1 (407) 360-8280. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please use the same number.
Send | Share | Subscribe | Support
Comentários