Behaving as a Christian is an Act of Worship

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much 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)

 

When someone hurts you or attacks you, the worldview teaches that we must get even. Now I’m not writing to teach us all that we should act as pacifists and let everybody walk all over us. For example, if someone breaks into my house and with the intent of doing bodily harm to my family I will defend them and myself. We are to stand up to evil, knowing that the Lord God is on our side.

 

However, when there is an attack on my character, (and there has been throughout my life), I am commanded by God’s word not to seek to do evil against the one bringing the attack. Instead of taking vengeance ourselves, we should give it over into God’s hands, and thereby give place to wrath. God will exact vengeance at the final judgment or even in this life, sometimes through the instrumentality of civil government as seen in the following chapter of Romans 13:4. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

 

Yes, following the command of God is opposite of what the worldview teaches, but it brings peace to the inner soul. When one sits and plots revenge he is consumed with wrath and hatred, which are not of God, but of Satan himself. It is the goal of the Lie Whisperer to spread anger and wrath. However, if we as God’s children chose to obey Luke 6:28, “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you”, it defeats what the enemy wants us to do. It’s very difficult, if not impossible, to plot vengeance against someone for whom you are praying.

 

As we walk in the world today, we can see evil all around us. We, as God’s children are not to be part of it. We are called to behave as His children, and as we walk in obedience to His commands we are actually performing acts of worship that please Him.

 

 

 

 

 

Dale LaFrance   (please look up Luke 6:35)