" REVENGE CAN BE AN UNCONTROLLABLE MONSTER "

Happy Holidays To You,

 This week we will be talking about " REVENGE." Now, how often have you been tempted to strike back at another for an infraction towards you? Hopefully we will learn just how the Lord wants us to react. I believe that doing the right thing, acting accordingly we'll go far in God's eyes. God judges all sins and punishes appropriately, but not simply out of anger or vengeance. Rather, God's punishment is meant to correct us and restore our fellowship with him. When you're corrected, don't resent it. Instead, renew your fellowship with God. You know sometimes forgiving a personal attack shows more strength than lashing out in revenge. Trying to prove one's power and authority often proves only one's fear and self-doubt. REVENGE IS AN UNCONTROLLABLE CREATURE.

Please understand that each act of retaliation brings on another. It is a boomerang that cannot be thrown without cost to the thrower. The revenge cycle can be halted only by forgiveness. God alone has the right to be jealous and to carryout vengeance. Jealousy and vengeance may be surprising terms to associate with God. When humans are jealous and take vengeance, they are usually acting in a spirit of selfishness. But it is appropriate for God to insist on our complete allegiance, and it is just for him to punish unrepentant evildoers. His jealousy and vengeance are unmixed with selfishness. Their purpose is to remove sin and restore peace to the world. When tempted to return evil for evil, leave revenge to God and spare yourself the dreadful consequences of sin. In God's Kingdom revenge is unacceptable behavior, as is insulting a person, no matter how indirectly it is done. Rise above getting back at those who hurt you. Instead of reacting angrily to these people, PRAY FOR THEM. In our sinful world, it is often deemed acceptable by some to tear people down verbally or to get back at them if we feel hurt. Listen we are told plainly...You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge. " VENGEANCE IS MINE, AND RETRIBUTION, IN DUE TIME THEIR FOOT WILL SLIP " (Deut. 32:35).

 Until next Time...
 Jim,