See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. (ESV)
This Scripture reminds us that retaliation is not the behavior of a Christ-follower. Instead, we are to do good for everyone; including those who cause evil upon us. In fact, these Words enforce the fact that we are to be intentional in our behavior toward all people – doing something good for them.
In other words, every person you meet today is a candidate to experience goodness from you.
A few of the people you meet today will be those who you already know. Others will be total strangers. Those you know you will have the advantage of knowing how to best provide some “goodness” into their life. You will have a leg up to know what their love language includes (Dr. Gary Chapman’s book “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts). Whether they are words of affirmation, quality time spent with them, acts of service, gifts, or physical touch. If you don’t know which love language they communicate through, then you don’t know them as well as you think you do.
If they are strangers, you can simply express the love of God through good manners and behavior by showing them respect. Stepping aside and letting them go first is a simple gesture of a servant heart. Yes, that includes when driving the roads and allowing the aggressive ones jump in front of you. And also, a smile or word of acknowledgement goes a long way; especially for those waiting in long lines.
When you spend time with a person, and truly begin to understand them, your godly heart will begin to find ways to express the love of Christ through you. The challenge will come when those you meet have caused you harm in some manner. Your inclination is to return evil with evil. To retaliate in a revengeful mood is a continuation of evil. To break the chain of evilness requires the love of God in you taking the lead to extend grace upon those who don’t deserve grace: just as Jesus did for you.
So, if you are in a good mood today, or even woke up in a bad mood, take the challenge of looking today at each person you meet with the opportunity to do something of value. A good word, expression, attitude, or behavior response goes a long way in expressing the love of God with others. Isn’t that what an ambassador of God’s Kingdom is about?
Everyone is a candidate today of being touched by God’s Spirit by you through you. Seek to do good to one another, and the Holy Spirit will lead you along the way.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager & Author of e-Books
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Be Radical…Follow Christ!
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
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