To Be At Peace With All

Romans 12: 17-21

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (Deuteronomy 32:35)

The World says to always give back what you've been given, and to get even with whoever wrongs you. This is the world's way to even things up, but things never do get evened up, the revenge just gets scaled up more and more. And when we want to get our own revenge, it causes bitterness to grow in our spirits, instead of the love and peace God wants for us.

God is the only One Who can exact revenge for wrongdoing safely, and He will make sure that every wrong will be made right, every debt will be paid, every inequality will be made even. 

But,

A much safer and better response on our part to being wronged, is:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
If you do this, you will heap burning coals on his head (make him feel guilty and ashamed)." (II Kings 6:22 and Proverbs 25:21-22)

If someone has wronged us, whether inadvertently or even overtly as an enemy, our reaction would be the World's response, which is natural. However, if we pause to consider, then our response can be more in line with the advice given here. To do something good for someone who has just been mean to you can make a huge impression and can honor the Lord.

Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.

Here is the conclusion of this whole matter. To conquer evil with good. 

This is not easy. It takes strength of character, discernment, and opportunity. We must be deliberate and intentional. None of this can ever be automatic. 

O my Father, please help me to be deliberate and intentional when anyone would do me wrong. Help me to have the strength of character to discern what good to do when the opportunity presents itself. 

Show me Your ways, Father, and teach me to respond in a godly manner to everyone with whom I have dealings. 

Give me Your gentle and winsome ways as I interact with other people, whether they are my own family, a neighbor or friend, or a stranger I would happen to come across. 

Help me to destroy my enemies by making them my friends. And deliver me from human wrath, as it does not promote Your righteousness. 

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!