10/06/2019
How do we live out our lives, are we bitter, and often unhappy, or does the peace and joy of Jesus flow through, and from us? As Christians we should seek Christ in each hard time that confronts us, and not allow those who would separate us from the joy of God to have dominion over us by baiting us into seeking vengeance against them, or by withholding forgiveness from them.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7 ESV
When someone harms, or antagonizes us it is our nature to lash out at them, and to take the matter into our own hands, but the scripture tells us that we aren’t supposed to do this. If we read the immediate action we should take it is to give thought to our faith, and what is honorable. Are we able to do this, and does it give us peace when we do?
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."”
Romans 12:17-19 ESV
Vengeance is closely related to forgiveness. When we forgive others the benefit is as much for our own peace of mind, and joy, as it is about solving the situation with the person we are forgiving. In the case of vengeance however it is resisting the need to take action ourselves... it is not striking someone, or engaging in a heated argument. You see the most detrimental part of seeking vengeance ourselves is that it gets in the way of our ability to forgive. How much harder is it to forgive someone we are physically fighting with?
“"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
Matthew 5:38-41 ESV
Walking away from certain conflict; there are many scriptures that address this, but it is such wise advice that there are a multitude of secular quotes dealing with this topic too; here are a few that come to mind...
“Let sleeping dogs lie.” - anonymous
“an eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind” - Mahatma Gandhi
and one saying I particularly like comes from a rather unexpected source...
“One who fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster.” - Frederich Nietzsche
Avoiding conflict allows us to diffuse situations rather than proceeding into full-blown conflict, and destroying any road to forgiveness... because forgiveness returns us to the peace and joy that God intends for us to live in. When we strike out in vengeance it is easy for it to become all about self, and for us to be consumed by such things as pride, power, or self-gratification. But when we deal with conflict as Jesus did then the way remains open to forgive, and our more base emotions give way to Christlike behaviors.
“Then Pilate said to him, "Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.”
Matthew 27:13-14 ESV
This should be our example in life, and faith. If Jesus had struck out at His accusers He wouldn’t have been able to forgive them from the cross without first seeking forgiveness. We have seen this dealt with scripturally in regards to sacrifices before...
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 5:23-24 ESV
For us to live as Jesus did, and receive the joy, happiness, and peace that comes through Him to us from God, then we need to be able to forgive as He did; if we can leave vengeance to the Lord, then we can forgive as Jesus did, and the byproduct of peace and joy will be ours... our lives will be full, and happy.
“There is such a fullness in Christ that He alone is the believer’s all. True saints are so completely satisfied with the all-sufficiency of Jesus that they no longer thirst — unless it is for deeper drafts of the living fountain.” - Charles Spurgeon
So do you live a life in Christ that is joyous, and full of peace? If this is not the case then where is your angst rising from; are you blocked by conflicts you haven’t been able to resolve, embroiled in seeking vengeance, or are there issues you haven’t been able to forgive? Maybe it’s a much needed relationship with God, or Jesus that you haven’t been able to enter into. Any of these things leads to an unsatisfied life, and thus an unrealized joy. Perhaps it is time to do some personal house cleaning, and rid yourself of those things that make you bitter, or grouchy. Now is the time to address those base behaviors in our lives that keep us from a fullness of faith, and happiness.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the joy and peace you intend for us to have in our lives. Thank you for assuming responsibility for our vengeance, so that we can more easily pursue our forgiveness of others, ask their forgiveness when we have wronged them, and find satisfaction once again in our faith. Teach us how to deal with the base emotions that we struggle with, and lead us into a life that is like Jesus’s. Father we know our human limitations, and read your Word that leads us passed them... yet sometimes they overwhelm us... be our strong tower as we wage war within ourselves, and go before us into this battle as our champion. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who makes life joyous, peaceful, and calm. Great are you who removes us from our vengeful nature, and who makes it possible for us to forgive, and be forgiven. Praised be your name for the happiness we feel in your presence, and many blessings. All glory is yours Heavenly Father for the grace you have shown us through Jesus, and have thus taught us to show others. In you we are completed, and satisfied so that our lives are made to overflow with your kindness, goodness, and joy.
“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:12-15 ESV
Rich Forbes