I have a question for you today? I want you to think very deeply about this.

Are you living peaceably or are you raising hell?

Now, I’m not trying to call anyone out and I’m not making this a bash post. As I grow in Christ, I realize that this part of myself (and others…) needed to be dealt with. Now what am I talking about exactly? Let me give you an example.

Amy, a newly converted Christian, pulls into a parking lot in a very crowded area. As she drives up and down every aisle, she comes across a space with her name on it. As she is about to turn the wheel into the parking lot, another car out of the blue, steals her parking spot. Amy felt the rage inside her come to the surface. Her face was red with anger and she could hear the myriad of expletives running through her head directed at this driver. As she was about to open the door, she heard clear as day, “No, not today.”

HOLD UP! Amy deserved to get those feelings off her chest, right? Her anger would dissipate and she could be calm after confronting them. Right?

WRONG.

Let’s dive into the Word.

Scripture:

¹⁷ Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

¹⁸ If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

¹⁹ Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

(Romans 12:17-19 KJV)

Observation: Paul highlighted that in this world, we may get persecuted, face hatred, and endure downright awful things from people. Our human reaction to this is to retaliate, to fight back when wronged. But, now changed, we need to live peaceable lives with all men, those who love us and hate us. It is not our job, our responsibility, or our place to seek vengeance, but God will handle it. He fights our battles for us.

Application: In faith, fighting evil with evil only creates more evil. Amy would have received temporary satisfaction from cussing out that driver, but what does it do for her spirit? We are examples to people of who Christ is in our lives and what He does inside of us. We are new creatures in Christ Jesus, so that means throwing off the old man and picking up the new (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 4:22). Even as Christ lived, people had hatred in their hearts toward him and sought to kill him, yet He met them with love and treated them fairly in peace. Know that God has the final say everything that happens to you. You no longer have to fight like the flesh wants, but fight with the Word! God fights for you!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being an example of Christian living. As you walked peacefully among men, I pray that I follow in your steps. God, I pray that I do not combat evil with evil, but that I overcome evil with good. Remind me that vengeance is yours and that you will repay. Lord, let me be honest in faith and stay humble. Forgive me, Father, for not approaching every situation this way. I thank you for the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding that I can use going forward. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.