Romans 12:17-21 English Standard Version (ESV) 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

That’s a stark contrast from the mantra shouted by today’s society. We often hear “do unto others before they can do it to you” wherever we turn. If anyone feels violated we are quick to start a protest of some sort or “take a knee.” Our first thought is always seek revenge when we’re wronged. It’s the will of our flesh to seek retribution. We want our justice and recognition and we want it NOW!

But this is not the lesson to be learned here, as we’ve been taught by Jesus;

Matthew 5:7-8 English Standard Version (ESV) 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Showing mercy to those who do us wrong is what we’re to do if we want to receive mercy ourselves. And about all those nasty things we want to do deep down in our heart to seek our revenge? We have to wash those things out of our hearts if we want to see God. We have to keep a pure heart. Not an easy task, is it? Not only is it not easy, it’s something impossible to do on our own. Every day we need to seek the Holy Spirit for direction and forgiveness of all those impure things inside us. Hey, we’re fleshly humans, it comes with the territory. In the words of Andy Defresne in The Shawshank Redemption, “get busy living, or get busy dying.” Showing mercy is how we will live and see God in eternity. We only “get busy dying” when we follow the world’s ways and look for revenge. I think you know whose company we keep when revenge is our goal in life. The choice is yours.

While you’re here, please check out my latest book, “The Mysterious Tunnel” for a thrilling adventure through time and faith.