Bible Verses to Explore: Leviticus 19:18
Do you remember Joseph (Genesis 37-50)? Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him. They considered killing him, but instead they sold him as a slave. As a result, Joseph was
falsely accused of attempted rape and wrongly imprisoned.
How do you think he felt about his brothers and their actions? What do you think he might have liked to do to them? What would you have considered doing in his place?
While it may be tempting to strike out at someone who as hurt you, mistreated you, or ridiculed you, God has his own plan for how we are to treat that person. Like Joseph, we’re to love the person who has hurt us and caused us pain,
and like Joseph, we’re to let God deliver any punishment that the person may have coming to them. That's the lesson in Leviticus 19:18 which reads, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.”
Planning revenge doesn’t undo what the hurtful person has done. Planning revenge will only fill your heart and mind with bitterness, anger, and hatred.
How do you treat hurtful, cruel people? Do you love them or do you plot how to get even with them?
I hope you will keep in mind God’s words in Romans 12:19 the next time you are tempted to get even with someone – “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."
Please pray with me.
Heavenly Father, help us to love those who have hurt us. Help us to trust You to punish them in the way You believe is right. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Please download the Inductive Study Guide and give God a bit more of your time as you read and study today’s Bible verses.
God bless!