ROMANS 12
17. Repay no one evil for evil but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble – aiming to be above reproach — in the sight of everyone. Amp.
We must know that we are held accountable for all resentments that we hold in our heart. We are not living in the Old Testament when it was written to stone people for their wrongdoing. We are not going about like Joshua to annihilate the former inhabitants. We are in a spiritual battle. Our weapons are not carnal. Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” He did not try to get even. He did not take up for Himself. He did not avenge Himself but left all that for His Father to do.
21. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
We must know there is power in forgiveness. Anyone can hold a grudge and try to get even. That is the natural thing our sin nature wants us to do. But all that does is make us no better than the one who hurt us to begin with. Is that what we really want?
As time goes on and the end draws nearer there is a hidden spirit of lawlessness arising in this world. It is beginning to show its ugly face in the leaders now more than ever. They are acting like they are above the law. It is seen lately in the tragic circumstances surrounding the death and destruction in Maui. There is definitely no regard for the people of Lahaina. The leaders have their own set of rules.
It is being seen in the way Israel is handling the attacks from Hamas. The leader said, “We will not forgive.” There are reports of the Israeli soldiers doing the unspeakable to the Palestinian residents who could not evacuate because they had nowhere to go. Of course, it is horrible what the Hamas attackers did to the Israeli people.
But is it right for the Israeli soldiers to turn right around and do the same as Hamas? That is just what Satan wants. He is laughing at them all.
If the Jews in physical Israel would read the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus, they would see there is a new way, and it is called mercy and forgiveness. That is the one and only answer to this horror.
Romans 12:9 Let your love be sincere – a real thing; hate what is evil (loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness), but hold fast to that which is good.