An Eye for An Eye?

A while ago – God had to rebuke me a little, on how “I would say to someone whose offended or hurt me, I forgive you – and yet I wouldn’t really have forgiven them – So although the offender would have left thinking all is well – all is forgiven – It really wasn’t well and nothing really had been forgiven. A part of me would still want them to hurt like they hurt me, wanting them to feel the pain and have a taste of their own medicine. Maybe you can relate –You know what is right to do but your flesh/your emotions seem to speak a totally different language. This devotion is for you – keep reading.

I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 but if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. it – Romans 7:15-19 (NLT)

It’s human nature to tend to be friendly to only those who are friendly to us. To love and be caring to those who love and care for us. To attend to the needs of those who in turn attend to ours. In the face of harm, danger or fear – usually one’s first instinct is to do everything in their power to protect oneself from the eminent danger, further betrayal, and further disappointment, further hurt, further insults. I will be honest – I sometimes have to battle for my spirit to win in this area. My flesh/emotions will usually be screaming “THEY DON’T DESERVE MERCY – NO! – THEY DESERVE TO HURT LIKE I AM HURTING!!!” In the rage of all those emotions what does God require of us.

Friend, God is calling us to a Standard of Grace and Mercy – Where we give it freely even when we don’t necessarily receive it back. I know it’s hard – But with Holy Spirit enabling – you are more than capable to release those who have crossed your paths -(Offended you, hurt you, betrayed you, disappointed you). When nothing in me wants to release the offense committed against me and give mercy – I have to cry out to Holy Spirit for supernatural strength to do so – Enough strength to stand against my raging emotions that are screaming – for me to give in to them. One thing I know and am certain of; is that, Holy Spirit can definitely help you in your weakest moments. He can be the Mercy and Grace you need to extend to someone else. All you have to do is surrender your will and emotions to Him and He will enable you.

Matthew 5:43-48 (MSG)

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

God is calling us to a higher STANDARD – HIS STANDARD.

His standard says:“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. . That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”- 1  Peter 3:9 (NLT)

God is calling us to a place of maturity; where our actions are based on the TRUTH which is the word. Let the Word bring out the Jesus in you in every situation. You have a choice to either be a victor or to be a victim. A choice to love or to hate, a choice to extend Mercy or not to. Today, choose wisely – Be the light that the world needs. Shine the Love of God to all. Give Mercy freely as it has also been freely given to you.

DEVOTION PRAYER:

Lord, when nothing in me wants to love the “unlovable”, forgive the unforgivable,  extend Mercy freely may Your Holy Spirit enable me to rise above my emotions and do what is right according to your Word. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be blessed and stay encouraged

                                -Lady Rue J. aka. Ruvimbo Judith

“Let Your Light Shine”