The Right Response

PRO 20:22 NIV

Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord , and he will avenge you.

As we walk in this sin-filled world, there is a need to keep examining our motives and intentions, so that we don't run foul of God's commmandments and instructions. Because we are dealing with human beings created by God, we just must realise that we have no power to change anyone or demand a specific kind of behaviour from them; we just must keep at our own assignment, Trusting that God who has called us by himself will work out that which concerns us.

What, then, should be our response when people offend us? what do we do when people don't understand why we do what we do, and they oppose us violently, trying to discourage us from doing what God has called us to do? How do we react even when they try to harm us physically or emotionally, simply because we profess Christ?

Today's extract warns us against revenge or retaliation. It encourages us to wait for God to act in our defence, not for us to defend ourselves. Because we do not have full knowledge about other people and their motives for doing whatever they do, we have to depend on God's wisdom and timing and trust that He knows what he's doing. Our sense of right and wrong is offended when it appears as if people are getting say with it, but we must learn patience and trust as we wait for God to do what He knows best how to do. Ours is to keep working and fulfilling purpose, He will work out what is best with what we give.

As you go out today, this week and the new month ahead, let God always have his way in your life. Never think you have all the answers. God, who gave you a purpose, knows just how best He will work it out, no matter the opposition that arises. His time of favour is here.