Do Not Repay Evil

Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “ Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:17-21 NET

And Forgiveness is fully understanding the power of your testimony. It is reliance on inviting Holy Spirit to lead your actions intentionally. It is choosing to live for God alone and reaching for those struggling in the deep water of unforgiveness while not getting entangled in the ropes of wreckage. 

This hits me hard. 

I have done many regrettable things in my life. God reached down and forgave me. And I have had many devastating occurrences happen to me. God reached down and asked me to forgive as He has forgiven me. 

He asked me again this week. Probably the most difficult task God has asked me to do so far. Forgive. 

Matthew 18:21-22 NET Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, I tell you, but seventy-seven times!

How could I, if I had allowed the dark sting of the enemy’s grip to harden my heart, block another human being from knowing God, who is grace love and forgiveness manifested in His form as man, Jesus Christ our risen Saviour??

How could I walk down the street with Jesus, telling people of the magnificent healing and redemption offered to all who know Him if I carried coal in my stomach for the life of another.  

We may never speak to the person again, or have to interact with them but, Forgive.