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 neighbor 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 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 came to Egypt to buy food during the great drought, he forgives 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 things 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 neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18).
It is not easy to forgive. It goes against our intrinsic evil nature as human beings. However, by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, you can acquire the ability to 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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