Daily Devotional

This is one of those verses that for me when I read it, I can easily think, yeah I can do that. But then someone wrongs me, and my thoughts immediately turn to revenge. I think it’s a primitive view of justice for us as sinful humans to immediately need the satisfaction of dishing back out what was done to us. But the Bible is clear, this is not true justice or right for us to do. What is interesting while I think about this is that even when we resign ourselves to take the “high road,” I think we are still thinking that “they will get what is coming,” or “vengeance is mine says the Lord,” hoping it happens soon. In our heart we are still wishing harm, or evil, even if on the outside we act differently.

I believe that ultimately this needs to be a heart issue, and that ultimately that is what God is interested in for us. I always find it funny how we as humans think that since we can hide true feelings and even actions from the eyes of people, we somehow think that we are successfully hiding them from God as well. God doesn’t just see our actions, He sees the heart, he sees our innermost thoughts. He knows our intentions despite our actions or words. God is not fooled.

So the way I see this verse for myself is in two steps. Step one, do not repay evil for evil, which is my actions. And this is the easier of the two steps, if someone wrongs me, I simply do not wrong them back. However step two is to not wish evil for them in return either. You notice the second part of this verse that we are to pursue what is good for not only ourselves but for all. How can we do that if we are wishing ill of someone. The truth is you can’t. So how do we accomplish the much harder step two? Well I think it comes with time, but it is accomplished by keeping your mind on the things above where Christ is. Having a mind on Heaven will surely change your perspective as you go about your daily life. And how best can you keep your mind on things above, well by staying the Word and praying.

Ultimately the way we keep on doing good is by thinking on the good and not on the bad or evil things. Paul said in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Keep in the Word, keep in prayer, keep seeking the things of Christ and it will keep the evil at bay, especially in your heart. So the next time someone wrongs you, don’t wish that they “get theirs.” Instead pray for them, and pray for them positively and in doing so we overcome evil with good.

"New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved."