Daily Devotional – Monday, August 23, 2021
You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:18 (NKJV)
There are two contrasting stories in the Bible that explore revenge and forgiveness, respectively.
When Shechem raped Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, Levi and Simon killed all the Hivite males. The two sons of Jacob also plundered the rival city and carried women and children captive (Genesis 34).
In contrast, when Joseph’s brothers arrived in Egypt to buy food during the great drought, he forgave them (Genesis 50). He had enough reasons to punish them. After all, nobody in Egypt knew they were his siblings.
The fact is that it takes more courage to refuse to hit back than vice versa. Revenge is for weak people because it is the natural thing to do. When a person insults you, the easiest thing is to fire a more demeaning invective back.
On the other hand, only the strong people can resist the urge to revenge and walk away from their oppressors. It takes real moral stamina to say, ‘I forgive you’, especially to someone who is not remorseful.
God commands, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18).
It is difficult to forgive. It goes against our intrinsic evil nature as human beings. However, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, you can love and forgive those who hurt you.
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can love and forgive others instead of revenging against them.
Amen to this Prayer.May Almighty God give me more Grace,for forgiving others.I have liked the message…Thanks for inspiring us,,Munene
Amen, Chairman. Indeed, forgiveness is a divine attribute that we are called upon to share.
Thank you for the powerful devotion. Someone once said: To forgive is to release a prisoner only to realise you were indeed the prisoner!
Lord help me to choose to be strong!
Wow! Great insight, Peterson. God bless you.
Forgiveness is Key to salvation, what made us to be sons of God was a result of forgiveness.
God always help me to have a forgiving spirit.
Amen, Pastor. Thank you for visiting, reading and adding value to this devotional. Blessings.
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