Retaliation Against Others
Retaliation is a natural response of our human nature when someone hurts us. We have a strong desire to get back at them, and we even feel justified. After all, they hurt us first, so it is right for us to hurt them back, isn't it? No, it is not right to act in retaliation against another person. King Saul realized this truth after David had the chance to kill him in the cave but he chose only to cut off the corner of his robe.(I Samuel 24:17) David acted more righteously than Saul, because he returned good for evil. That is what we are all supposed to do, instead of retaliating when we are hurt or threatened.
Jesus said turn the other cheek. That is what He meant. Paul said that we are not to render evil for evil. That is what he meant. It is not that we can't protect ourselves. That is fine. However, when we allow the anger or hatred to rise up in us against another person, so that we respond in an angry or hateful way, it is a sin, no matter what they did to us. We can defend ourselves against someone without being angry or hating them. That is what the Lord would have us to do, and that is just what David did as Saul was seeking to kill him.
Take an inventory of your life. How much of your life is retaliating against others? How often does this happen? It is a sign that the Holy Spirit is not in control. It shows that you are allowing the flesh to control your actions, and that is devastating for any believer. None of us can do God's will, if the Spirit is not directing and empowering us. Therefore, retaliating is a sign we need to get right with God and surrender to His Spirit.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 26-29.
Jesus said turn the other cheek. That is what He meant. Paul said that we are not to render evil for evil. That is what he meant. It is not that we can't protect ourselves. That is fine. However, when we allow the anger or hatred to rise up in us against another person, so that we respond in an angry or hateful way, it is a sin, no matter what they did to us. We can defend ourselves against someone without being angry or hating them. That is what the Lord would have us to do, and that is just what David did as Saul was seeking to kill him.
Take an inventory of your life. How much of your life is retaliating against others? How often does this happen? It is a sign that the Holy Spirit is not in control. It shows that you are allowing the flesh to control your actions, and that is devastating for any believer. None of us can do God's will, if the Spirit is not directing and empowering us. Therefore, retaliating is a sign we need to get right with God and surrender to His Spirit.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Samuel 26-29.