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Anger, resentment, and bitterness are heavy burdens to be borne. Such qualities cause you to be miserable and to miss the joys of life. Sadly these negative qualities could easily cost a person their soul! An understanding of harm done by these negative qualities helps us appreciate what God said in Romans 12:17-21. “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Peter wrote on this same theme, “Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).
There are times when we may feel that we have been terribly hurt and disappointed by another person. But no matter what evil others have done to us, we must remember what the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:15. “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
Let’s go to Heaven together! I love you!
Charles Box
Walnut Street Church of Christ
Greenville, AL