Faithful Christian Commitment and service
in the Middle East for almost 150 years The Nazareth Trust Healing in the Name of Jesus Since 1861
in the Middle East for almost 150 years The Nazareth Trust Healing in the Name of Jesus Since 1861
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Romans 12: 17 - 21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
How does the love of God affect our relationships?
When we are confronted with the love of God, what impact does it have on our relationships, with our spouses, friends and even enemies? The love we have received must make a change in the way that we act with others, particularly those who we consider as enemies.
Most of us have someone in their lives who seems to get under their skin, causing frustration and anger. Even thinking of such a person may bring to mind only frustration and stress. We may be at a point where we just want to give up on them and stay away. The reasons for this reaction can be varied, history, actions or simply personality clashes, but we will all be faced with this at some point.
In the passage above we are told to “overcome evil with good”. It is easy to love those who love us, but we are also called to love our enemies, those who hate us. This is a truth often taught but seldom practiced, even within the church. It is far easier to be drawn into judgment of others, than to truly love our enemies.
What does loving our enemies look like?
An example was given of two boys in school, where one was a Christian and the other just constantly teased and picked on him for this, among other things. The situation went on for some time, with both boys trying to put the other down.
However, one day the Christian boy sat next to the other and apologized for his behavior, asking the other boy to forgive him. The apology was given again the next day and from that time onwards, the boys began to create a new relationship, based on respect. The willingness of the boy to repay evil with good, created the opportunity for enemies to cease their hostilities and become something new.
Hate and anger hold us back spiritually
Another example was given of a boy whose mother had disappeared from his life for 13 years due to drug addiction. When she reappeared in his life for the second time, following a relapse and further rehabilitation, he wanted nothing to do with her. However, the weight of this frustration and anger held him back spiritually, as he struggled to forgive her for turning her back on him and living like he didn’t exist.
The turning point came as he was shown that he had done the same thing with God in his life, that he had lived his life for many years like God didn’t exist and yet when he asked for forgiveness, it was immediately granted. Forgiving his mother in the same way opened up a way to be free from the anger and frustration he had experienced, and gave an opportunity for his mother to experience his forgiveness for her failings.
As Christians, we must both overcome evil with good and forgive those who do us wrong.
Forgiving ourselves
It can be very difficult to allow God’s forgiveness into our lives if we continue to hold ourselves to account for certain actions. Sometimes when we look at ourselves we feel dirty, unworthy, hypocritical – as though we are people who God cannot possibly use.
However, God knows us better than we know ourselves and still He forgives us. Who are we to decide that this is wrong and continue to resist forgiveness for ourselves? It is vital that we accept God’s forgiveness and allow Him to work through us and help us grow.
Speaker: Matthew Altman