Inspiration & Worship

Love Above All W hen we’re treated very unfairly our natural reaction is to become angry and seek revenge. But God tells us to keep our emotions in check. Why?

Because to let our emotions run amok is to risk behaving as badly as the person who offended us, or worse. And while we’re not responsible for the behavior of others, we are responsible for our own behavior, including our reactions.

“Be angry and sin not,” states Ephesians 4:26.

So what do we do? Stand passively by and suppress our anger? No. We actively pursue peace and resolution; we try our best to overcome evil with good. The pursuit of good should be our constant frame of reference, says the Apostle Paul. It should be our mentality and lifestyle.

In Romans 12:9-21 (NIV) Paul writes to Christians living in Rome:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves ... Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. 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.” [a positive thing in Paul’s culture]. Do not be ove rcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Such benevolence is easier said than lived … but God expects it anyway. Why? Because all of us are sinners; none of us deserves the great mercy God shows to us through Jesus Christ.

To show others anything less than mercy is to hold God’s gift in contempt.

Do not be overcome by evil, but over

come evil with good. ❚ – Janine Pumilia