Charity Instead of Vengeance
by Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading for the day: Genesis 26
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “So Isaac prepared a great feast for them, and they ate and drank in preparation for the treaty ceremony.” Genesis 26:30 (NLT)
Isn’t it sad that the most common response to poor treatment from others is to plot something bad to befall them? We automatically seek vengeance to sooth our inevitable pride. We seek public sympathy and privately think hateful things. This kind of behavior really has no place in the life of a follower of Christ.
Actually, if we are honest, we can think of as many wrongs that we have dealt with others as have been dealt with us. We like to rationalize these facts away in the midst of our indignant tempest. Isaac, who had good reason to be bitter, didn’t respond with anger. Instead, he showed mercy and charity to King Abimelech who had previously been jealous of Isaac’s wealth. He had Isaac’s wells filled with dirt and drove Isaac away. Still, Isaac chose Christ’s peaceful way to treat King Abimelech.
We can be just as receptive to those who want to make peace with us. Often, God’s influence in our lives draws others to us, even enemies - We can take those opportunities to reach out to them with God’s love.
Isaac compromised for the sake of peace. Would you be willing to forsake your pride to keep the peace? Is it hard for you to humble yourself in front of others?
Meditation for the day: The trouble with taking revenge when we are mistreated is that none of us can claim complete innocence.
Memory Verse: “We can plainly see that the LORD is with you. So we decided we should have a treaty, a covenant between us.” Genesis 26:28
by Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading for the day: Genesis 26
click here to read the scripture
Scripture Quote: “So Isaac prepared a great feast for them, and they ate and drank in preparation for the treaty ceremony.” Genesis 26:30 (NLT)
Isn’t it sad that the most common response to poor treatment from others is to plot something bad to befall them? We automatically seek vengeance to sooth our inevitable pride. We seek public sympathy and privately think hateful things. This kind of behavior really has no place in the life of a follower of Christ.
Actually, if we are honest, we can think of as many wrongs that we have dealt with others as have been dealt with us. We like to rationalize these facts away in the midst of our indignant tempest. Isaac, who had good reason to be bitter, didn’t respond with anger. Instead, he showed mercy and charity to King Abimelech who had previously been jealous of Isaac’s wealth. He had Isaac’s wells filled with dirt and drove Isaac away. Still, Isaac chose Christ’s peaceful way to treat King Abimelech.
We can be just as receptive to those who want to make peace with us. Often, God’s influence in our lives draws others to us, even enemies - We can take those opportunities to reach out to them with God’s love.
Isaac compromised for the sake of peace. Would you be willing to forsake your pride to keep the peace? Is it hard for you to humble yourself in front of others?
Meditation for the day: The trouble with taking revenge when we are mistreated is that none of us can claim complete innocence.
Memory Verse: “We can plainly see that the LORD is with you. So we decided we should have a treaty, a covenant between us.” Genesis 26:28
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