These Last Days pt.6

Tempted to Retaliate

The world's mentality is an Eye for an Eye.  Revenge is sweet.  They did it to me so I can do it back to them.   It's, "seek our own type of justice and even "vigilante" justice.  Many Hollywood movies and television shows play into this type of thinking but the word of God says:

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.   Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good, pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2  

Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? 
“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” Matthew 18:21-22

When we are tempted to act on the flesh - see what is tugging at the other end.      

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it”.  1 Corinthians 10:13

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:18

“But you must be Holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.” 1 Peter 1:15

Mindset  

If we can imagine for moment… Jesus has been beaten and nailed to the cross by the very men he is going to the cross for.  And Jesus says with no partiality, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that is from heaven is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds.  It shows no partiality and is always sincere.”

We are not to gratify our own flesh by physical vengeance and/or harden verbal words of discontent but do as Jesus did. NOTE: Galatians 5:16

“So get rid of all evil behavior.  Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.”  1 Peter 2:1

“For it is God’s will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish persons. [Live] as free people, [yet] without employing your freedom as a pretext for wickedness; but [live at all times] as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:15-16 (AMP)

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  Matthew 5:43-48

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. “  Ephesians 4:26-27

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Never Being Disgraced

1 Peter 2:5-6 “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple.  What’s more, you are his holy priests.  Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say, “I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand,  and it gives light to everyone in the house.   In the same way, let your lightshine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

I am finding there are those who simply don't care about right and wrong anymore.  They don't care if their actions are evil.  They are going to do what they want to do regardless.   You have probably found the same but it doesn't matter what they do- you and I have do right.  Pray fro those who do wrong that they may come to God.

 John 3:19 "And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil."