When someone causes you pain you have a choice: Respond by hurting them back or break the cycle.

Hi, I’m Paul here with today’s reminder. 

Romans 12 tells us to “not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  

Do not take revenge, my dear 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.” 

Now listen, this passage is not telling you to stay in a dangerous or abusive situation. If you’re in a situation like that make sure you seek safety.

What it’s telling you is that when someone hurts you, and you respond by hurting them back, the cycle of evil continues.  

So God reminds you that He wants something better for you than this endless cycle of hate and pain and revenge. 

I know this is hard to do but let go. Let God judge. Let God deal with those who have hurt you.

Anything the Lord has called you to do He’ll give you the strength and the grace to do it. 

So pray, trust, remember His promises, let Him work, break the cycle and experience the freedom He’s calling you to.

Let me pray for you.

Father,

Fill us with your Spirit to respond to evil with good, the strength to let you fight for us, the grace to forgive those who hurt us and the faith to move forward to the blessings you’ve set before us.

In Jesus name we pray,

Amen.