Devotional Arena

Don’t strike back
26 MAY 2024

‘Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do.’
Romans 12:18 MSG

The Bible says, ‘Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you’ (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV). You say, ‘But what they did to me was unfair, unkind, and unwarranted.’ Exactly – and God feels the same way about some of the things you have done!

Any attempt to avenge a wrong is a violation of God’s Word. That includes bad-mouthing them, giving them the silent treatment, making sarcastic remarks, refusing to help them, and resorting to physical violence or verbal attacks. If you were hurt by someone at work, it includes taking company resources without authorisation, applying workplace rules more stringently to the offending employee than others, and deliberately slowing your pace to frustrate them. If you were hurt by your spouse, it includes brooding, making them walk on eggshells, and withholding your love and affection.

Paul writes: ‘Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath…Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it”’ (Romans 12:14, 17-19 MSG). Repaying evil for evil won’t bring you satisfaction.

Besides, have you considered that the person who hurt you may have genuinely changed? What if God continued to hold your transgressions over your head? Retaliation just destroys your peace of mind because you know it displeases God. Today pray: ‘Father, I release any desire to get even. I want to walk in your peace, extend your grace, and allow you to avenge all wrongs done against me. Amen.’ (So be it!)

Luke 9:37-62, Psalms 54-56

Stand on God’s Word (4)
23 MAY 2024

‘He has invited you into partnership with…Jesus.’
1 Corinthians 1:9 NLT

When you feel inadequate for the job. Have you been given a job you don’t feel qualified to do? No problem – it’s an opportunity for God to show Himself strong on your behalf (see 2 Chronicles 16:9).

Fix your mind on your all-powerful, always-present, loving heavenly Father. ‘Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken’ (Psalm 55:22 NIV). Instead of fearing the challenge, start feeding your faith. ‘Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God’ (Romans 10:17 NKJV).

Spend more time in prayer and move closer to Jesus: ‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit’ (John 15:7-8 NIV).

Instead of giving in to fear, stand on God’s Word: ‘Think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…the weak things of the world to shame the strong…the lowly things of this world…the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him’ (1 Corinthians 1:26-29 NIV).

‘To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…be glory…forever’ (Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV). You are right; on your own, you’re not up to the task. But with God on your side, you’re more than equal to the challenge!

1 Kings 12-13, Acts 5:21-42

UCB Word For Today Devotional For August 16, 2022 : Topic - Don’t worry, God will take care of you Read previous UCB Devotionals here Don’t worry, God will take care of you 16 AUGUST 2022 ‘I have not seen the righteous forsaken.’ Psalm 37:25 NKJV If you’re worried about making ends meet, read on: ‘The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way....

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