From the Pastor at Trinity!

I recently read about an article in a newspaper that told a story of a man who was consumed with avenging the death of one of his close relatives.. He was quoted as saying, "When someone so dear to you is killed, you can't sleep; you have to do something." Sometime later the young man went out and killed two men he believed to be responsible for the death of his loved one. But even after taking the lives of those he considered to be his enemies, the man still had no sense of satisfaction.

The bible teaches us to: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all kinds of malicious behavior; Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven us." (Ephesians 4:31) It also teaches us in Romans 12: 14 -21 to: " Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another?17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 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." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." In light of what the Bible teaches, do we have any other choice but to extend to those who offend us the grace that we ourselves have received?

To be sure we have all been hurt by another and tempted to seek revenge upon those responsible, whether they were a spouse, co-worker, neighbor or some other acquaintance. But regardless of who they were, or may be, or what they may have done to hurt us, the Lord wants us to let Him handle it as He knows best. This is not to say that we shouldn't seek justice through our court system when necessary. Nevertheless, God is one we all will answer to in the end, and He is sure to set things right!

So when dealing with pain inflicted by another, remember this: "Inflicting an injury on someone puts you below your enemy. Revenging an injury makes you equal with your enemy. Forgiving an injury raises you above your enemy." Let there be peace on earth and let it begin you!

With Love From and For Jesus,

Pastor David