Be At Peace

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.

Romans 12:18-19

REVENGE IS A big theme in literature, movies, television, and relationships. The reason some people commit terrible crimes is to get revenge on those who have wronged them. Statistics reveal that more murders are committed against relatives than against strangers. Revenge is the primary motivation of the devil, the enemy of God, and he tempts people to seek revenge every day. Even Christians can fall for its subtle enticements.

This passage teaches us that as Christians we are to try to “live in peace with everyone.” Granted, there are some people who will never be at peace with us personally. That doesn’t mean we don’t try to find common ground or work toward reconciliation. God wants us to be a true people of peace—peacemakers—and people who build relationships of trust and love rather than sow hatred and anger.

What should you do when someone wrongs you and refuses to apologize, make up, and rebuild trust? There’s one basic principle: leave all judgments to God. That doesn’t mean you can’t solicit help from the authorities—the law, the courts, and so on—when necessary. But it does mean that you refuse to take matters into your own hands and try to physically, financially, emotionally, or personally damage the offending party.

Give God time and opportunity to work on your behalf. You will be amazed at what he does when you trust him.