Monday, August 24
Do not say, “I will do to others as they have done to me; I will pay them back for what they have done."
—Proverbs 24:29
We want to show the other person that we have been hurt. We want them to feel some of the pain that we have felt. We want to show them they do not have power over us. We want them to know that their actions cannot be repeated. Vengeance comes from the desire to get back at those who have taken advantage of us.
As natural as this is, it has the effect of leading us further away from the person, further away from God, and further away from our own selves. We make the mistake of thinking that our our distress will be eased if we can satisfy our desire to get back at those who have hurt us. But that only keeps our soul estranged from the healing power of forgiveness.
The prescription for peace is to look squarely at the desire that is fraying our soul, and ask God to gather it up into heaven's embrace. As soon as it is removed from our consciousness, we are amazed to find the inner tatters are rewoven into a beautifully textured garment.
Gracious God, lift the anger and pain that keep my soul tattered and uneven, so that I may know again the peace that comes from your love.
