When
James won’t stop bothering Sarah, even after Sarah asks him to stop, she has
sometimes resorted to pushing him away, biting, or pinching. Her revenge is
often worse than the original “harm.” She is the one who then gets in trouble!
I keep reminding her how she can handle those situations – she can nicely ask
him to please stop, she can move away or she can go to another room. If none of
that works, then she can tell an adult (usually Joe or me 😊) so the adult can
address the situation. The adult could then administer the appropriate
discipline for James.
On
a grander scale, Paul challenges us to overcome evil with good and not take
vengeance into our own hands for personal offenses. We’re to let God
avenge.
Romans
12:17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is
possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do
not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is
written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the
contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him
something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his
head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21
Paul
isn’t saying we are to let evil continue and let people get away with evil. Two
weeks ago we read in Romans 12:9 that we are to hate evil. Also, in the next
chapter (ch. 13), Paul talks about governing authorities and their role (with
laws/punishment/consequences, etc.). Paul says above not to repay evil for evil. We’re not to engage in
evil to get back at someone doing evil. Screaming at someone who is screaming
at me, doesn’t usually solve the problem. Cutting someone off in traffic
because they cut me off doesn’t help (and puts us all in more danger).
Where
do you and I have a desire to repay evil for evil? How does it help you and me to know we’re to
leave it to God to avenge? He’s the most just and can handle it!
Alice
