Retaliation is human,

for wrongs committed

 

Cursing the offender,

is the usual way

 

Wishing harm to your enemies,

is so typical

 

But what is not

typical

is Your way, Jesus

 

Returning an offense

with a blessing

 

Persecution

with a prayer

 

Evil

with a peaceful demeanor

 

Impossible?

 

Not with the Holy Spirit

pouring love and blessing

into you

so that you

in turn

can pour out blessing on people

 

Being offended

is a choice you make

 

– Susie Stewart

 

 

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.
Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

– Romans 12:14-21 (NLT)

 

Photo by Susie Stewart