Revenge Never Tastes Sweet
                                                         (From July 2003)

As I'm inspired by things I read, see or hear, I jot down a quick note, or 
Open a new mail message and simply type in a subject line and save it
in my 'Draft's' folder. Today's devotion is from one of those inspirations. 
I never know how or when I'll finish the thought, but I know God will give
the rest of it to me, when His time is right.  Revenge doesn't seem like a 
devotional message, but I believe God has a message about it. 

This 'inspiration' came from a conversation with our son Shawn. He has 
experienced an avalanche of 'bad luck' lately. Without doubt, some have 
been direct results of his own actions or inaction. Other's seem to be an
attack out of nowhere. One such time was when he was told he'd have 
to pay for a damaged tire on a trailer he'd hauled. Understandably, his 
anger began to raise with each conversation about it, till he said: "I can
get  a  tire...." if he had to pay for this one.   In my best   'understanding 
father's'  voice,  I shouted:  "I don't even want to hear you talk like that." 
I explained to him that revenge wouldn't help anything...he hadn't given
anyone time to be reasonable yet...he hadn't explained his point of view
to the right people yet....   Since he hadn't talked to anyone  'higher up',
maybe it'd be best to calm down and explain why he didn't think he 
should have to pay for a tire, on a trailer that anyone in the yard could 
have damaged. 

I gave him some examples of how my anger and attempts at getting 
revenge had often backfired...and how it usually only leads to more 
trouble. I told him about the times I did get revenge. That it didn't help, 
it usually left me with a sick feeling inside and a bitter taste in my 
mouth. "Revenge is sweet", is the old saying...but, it's only true for a 
short time. Only a person without conscience can feel good about 
getting revenge. Revenge only makes the rest of us feel guilty. Jesus 
tells us to forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven, to turn the 
other cheek.... They're hard words to follow, but they're the best way. 
God says that revenge is His domain. His way of getting revenge is to 
let the offender punish himself. God doesn't send people to Hell...those 
who will go there, choose it themselves. Trying to get revenge is one 
step closer to making that choice. 

Today is the day to begin trying to control anger, to stop 'getting even'.
It's hard, not in our nature, but God will help us.  Ask for it.  Remember
the words of Abraham Lincoln: "I destroy my enemy when I make him 
my friend." Begin by praying for those who've wronged you...you'll be 
surprised at how your own heart will change.  Most important,  forgive, 
forgive,  forgive....
                                         ------------------------------------

Father, take away our desire to 'get even'. Make us know that revenge 
is for You, not us. Help us to turn the other cheek and make our enemy
our friend. Give us the desire to pray for those who've wronged us, with 
a spirit of forgiveness. Forgive us our sins and help us to be forgiving. 
We offer our concerns and loved ones to Your healing hands of love.
We pray with confidence in the Holy name of Jesus....                    Amen. 

Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and 
he will deliver you.                                                           Proverbs 20:22 NIV


Steve                                         ________________

  
© Steven Green 2003

Back to Favorites

Back to Home Page

www.pappawsthoughts.com
 ® 2004