Bible Reading: Exodus 21:23-25 & Luke 6:27-36
Revenge has nothing to do with justice or fairness.
God intends that when one person hurts another person in any way, the person who caused the heartache or injury should receive an appropriate punishment. God also
intends that He should be the one to choose what that punishment should be and when it should be given.
Exodus 21:23-25 says, “But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” God’s command in these verses was one way to ensure that an injured party didn’t get carried away by his desire for revenge. In essence, “an eye for an eye” means that the punishment should fit the offense.
When someone hurts us in some way, we should obey Jesus’ command to “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” and leave any punishment to God.
“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. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’” Romans 12:19 & 20
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to love and pray for those who hurt me and leave justice and judgment to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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