I have been amazed at the Amish,when horror struck their school house and the lives of their children were taken by a man with a gun,they forgave out of love,and did not carry hate with them. I see many families that their children have been taken hostage or have been killed by drunk drivers with forgiveness for the offender. I so hope in those circumstances I too would have a heart of forgiveness and not want to carry out vengeance of my own.What hearts of Christ they have to forgive. Sometimes when things happen in our lives we want vengeance,we want the other to know the same pain that was inflicted when they gave it. God tells us differently in His word. In Romans 12:17-21 it states,"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.If it is possible,as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,but rather give place to wrath; for it is written,'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,'says the Lord.Therefore if your enemy is hungry,feed him;If he is thirsty,give him a drink; For in so doing you will reap coals of fire on his head.Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." What amazing words from our God. If we allow evil to overcome our lives, what do we have left,but evil? Why give evil its place in our hearts? If someone offends us, it takes away so much of our hearts if we dwell on it. Let that offense go,and allow God to do His work in them and in us. We can overcome evil with the acts of forgiveness and mercy. Giving grace and showing what Jesus did for us. Anger and bitterness will overcome your body,mind and soul.If that is what is filled us,then where does Jesus have room to shine forth and live in us? It is not our job to punish,but it is the Lord's place for that. We are not the judge here,God is in all His strength and power. If God forgives us,gives us grace when we so do not deserve it,it is for us to do the same with those around us.Lord,I pray today you give me a heart with no room for bitterness,anger or wrath. I do not want to carry those things in my heart,but allow you to live within me,and shine forth for others to see your great mercy and grace. If someone has hurt you or offended you,let it go today,let the burdens of bitterness go,and fill your heart with all that is good....
