Many of us believers are practicing Christianity mixed with a touch of paganism.
We want to serve God, but not always in the way He has prescribed. My people, please do what our Heavenly Father has commanded, serve Him the way He has asked, not according to our feelings or cultural traditions.
This is for your own good (Deuteronomy 12:32 – “See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.”).
Recently, someone asked me why I chose to do good to a certain individual, even after knowing what he had done in the past. That question made me pause and reflect, not just on the situation but on the state of that person’s faith.
This person is also a believer, yet seemed to be encouraging me to return evil for evil. But Christ made it very clear:
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” – Matthew 5:39
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” – Romans 12:17
I realized that the person wasn’t just advising me wrongly, he was contradicting the very teachings of Jesus. Worse still, the person I was encouraged to retaliate against hadn’t actually done anything to me, or to the one giving the advice.
So why this comfort with revenge?
Even God Himself says:
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” – Romans 12:19
So why are we, as Christians, so eager to take revenge into our own hands?
It is not our place.
I believe strongly that if you can’t bring yourself to do good to someone who has hurt you, then at the very least, do nothing. Ignore them if you must, but do not repay evil for evil.
As Scripture says:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
Beloved, it is wiser and safer to forgive and ignore than to participate in a cycle of revenge, especially against people who haven’t even wronged you, but may have simply fallen out with others.
Let us not inherit enemies we were never meant to carry.
Let us not carry offense we were never meant to bear.
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
My advice to every believer is this:
Forgive.
Let go.
Ignore the bait to fight battles that are not yours.
Choose obedience.
Choose peace.
And above all, choose Heaven.
