Come Get on My Hit List - romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. romans 12:14 (NKJV)
Do you really think that you want to tick me off? My calling is to glorify God in all that I think and do, even in handling unpleasant circumstances with self-centered egomaniacs who only operate in the physical realm. When someone annoys me, God presents that situation as an opportunity to expose to me some of the flaws in my own character . . . like impatience, stubbornness, pride, lack of humility, disrespect, no empathy, defense of "my" rights. If Jesus was obedient in all these things, I ought to be too. So, what you might intend for evil I will trust God to work it for good.
Admittedly, I fall far short of the standard to which I am called, which is Christ-likeness or "to be like Jesus" . . . you've heard the saying "please be patient, God is not finished with me yet." By the grace of God, I will get there but for now, at this moment, I will: Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,"* says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."** Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (romans 12:17-21) I have a choice in the matter as to how everything will turn out, and I choose to obey my calling.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the sacrifice of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and the daily . . . no minute by minute . . . sacrifice He made to reach out to me in truth and love, by enduring the shame, disrespect and rejection for the short 33 years that Jesus walked this blue planet. Oh Most High God, please lead me in a path of obedience that I might grow spiritually to be more and more like Jesus, to be an ambassador of Your heavenly kingdom on temporary assignment to the spiritually blind, that I might be effective in the power of the Holy Spirit as one hungry beggar who leads other blind hungry beggars where to find the Bread of Life. Lord. I pray that today you will use me to be a blessing to each person You bring into my path, and that I will be mindful of Your love for him or her.
* from Deuteronomy 32:35
** from Proverbs 25:21-22
© S. Chan 2004. All Rights Reserved.