the Third Week after Easter
free while helping to build churches and support pastors in Uganda.
Click here to learn more!
Daily Devotionals
John Gossner's Treasury
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves; but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. Hebrews 12:15. Be reconciled to thy brother. Agree with thine adversary quickly. Matthew 5:24-25.
He who avenges himself upon his enemy or upon his offender, forestalls God and usurps God’s rights. He has reserved to Himself to recompense every evil and to save (Proverbs 20:22). Therefore give place unto the wrath and judgment of God, Paul means to say; God will judge and repay. But this is not enough for a loving mind: it desires reconciliation; it desires to win the heart of the adversary. It will not itself harbor malice toward others, neither can it suffer anything in others which is against love and concord. It therefore seeks to destroy every bitter root of vengeance, ill-will, and hatred, not in its own heart only, but also in the hearts of others. The Christian readily offers his hand once more; he does not give up until the other party holds out his hand and they once more hand in hand worship and love Him who stretches forth His hands all day to His enemies, who allowed His hands to be pierced for us all and has graven us all upon the palms of His hands. Look into the pierced hand of Jesus; therein you and your enemy are graven; His hand upholds you both; for He upholds all things by the word of His power. Should you then desire to be discordant when the one and same hand is stretched down to you from heaven in order to save you; a hand which some day shall wipe away all tears from our eyes and lift us all up to heaven?
Harbor no hatred nor ill will,
Lest hate breed anger, and thou kill;
Be patient and of gentle mood,
And to thine enemy do good.
