You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. - Leviticus 19:18
This scripture is a difficult one to follow. It seems to go against human nature. Yes, that’s the whole idea. Our emotions take over when we are hurt or angry and we want to get revenge, but the Lord says to live a different way. How can we do this? By living with the knowledge that we don’t have to do God’s work for Him. Trust in God to take care of you.
Romans 12:18 gives us more insight into this. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear 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.
OK, this sounds easy, but, knowing me, I don’t think I can pull this off. Through prayer, continuing to ask God’s direction, insight, and with the Holy Spirit’s power, I can. This means that I need to be listening to what I need to do, and then do it. The more I take this path, the more I will be following what Jesus would do. That is what it means to be a Christian, to be Christ-like.
Lord, help me to seek your will in all that I do. It might be minute by minute, hour by hour, or day by day. Help me to hear your will, so that when others look at me, they see You.
Amen.