Keep doing the right thing, even when it hurts
I get frustrated when I'm constantly being taken advantage of, talked bad about, disrespected, or lied to. I am usually good at ignoring a few offenses, but when it happens over and over, I just get tired and even cynical. My attitude turns sour, and I just want to behave in ways that I think would be pleasing...yet would greatly displease God. Oh, how I want to behave just like them. I just want to turn off my conscience, and get even by doing or saying something back, but the Holy Spirit reminds me to not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). I am also reminded in Romans 2:6-8 that He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. I remember that God sees all things and He will reward me for my patience, long suffering, forgiveness, mercy, and grace. I must continue doing the right thing, even if it takes everything in me to do so. Remember how I said it's easy to get off track (Getting back on track)?
God also brings to light that though I may be a child of God, I am not God; and, it is not my job to judge, retaliate, or get even. Titus 3:1-7 says it perfectly: Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
When I read these verses, I feel God immediately speaking to me. He tells us how we should act and behave, and He is very clear about it. Then, God shows me how I used to be. I used to behave badly. I used to gossip and badmouth others; sneer and give dirty looks; look down on people and think I was better than them, and so forth. It was not a good feeling. I can still sense of all the time, energy, and emotions it took to live like that. It is exhausting and honestly, pathetic. So, if I can just get over the hurt and offense, God is faithful to come to my aid--to love me, comfort me, heal me and wipe away my tears. It can be tough, but it's better to hurt and be angry for a moment, than to live a life of bitterness and resentment. I need to keep doing the right thing because that is what God commands me to do. I am a child of God; I have been forgiven and saved by Jesus Christ. I must put my hope and faith in God to redeem, restore, and renew me. Being bitter, hating others, and wanting revenge is a dark and gloomy way to live. Constantly surrounded in dark and depressive thoughts is not only exhausting, but it steals our joy. When we are so focused on hating and getting even, we lose sight of the things that really matter. Let's be washed by the blood of Christ and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:12 says each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. It's easy to behave in ways that would displease God, but let us keep doing what's right. We will be rewarded. It can be difficult, but we have the Holy Spirit to help us. Seek God for comfort, guidance, and healing.
Let us Pray.
Most High God,
Thank you for this message and for all those reading. Most, if not all, of us have been hurt, talked about, disrespected, used, wrongfully treated, and more. It can be easy for us to get angry, and want to do harm because of our pain. Lord, please help us. Help us to do what you would want us to do. Remind us that You are the judge and that you see our hurt, pain, and sadness. Father God, help us to forgive quickly and easily. To forgive people of their offenses, and to open our hearts for You to minister to us. Bring healing, peace, and comfort. We are not help accountable for the actions of others, but we are held accountable for our actions. Show us what you would like us to do or not to do. You are our avenger Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:6). It is not our job to repay evil with evil, but to overcome evil with good. Forgive us as we forgive others Lord. May your Will in our lives be done. Thank you Lord God. In Jesus' Great Name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
