DON’T GET EVEN—PRAY!

BARBARA E. PERKINS

DON’T GET EVEN—PRAY!  

Don’t Get Even!  Read, Meditate God’s Word—Pray!  I have also heard it said, “Don’t Be Bitter, Be Better!”  God’s word admonishes us on this subject in His Own unique way in Matthew 5:44-48 (NKJV).  44 “But I say to you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, BLESS THOSE WHO CURSE YOU, DO GOOD TO THOSE WHO HATE YOU, AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO SPITEFULLY USE YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU, 45 THAT YOU MAY BE SONS (AND DAUGHTERS) OF YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”  The Amplified Bible clarifies verse 48 this way, “You, therefore, will be perfect (growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life), as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  When we read and examine these Scriptures we tend to wonder if a lifestyle like this example is really possible.  It’s possible!  But are we willing to trust and do God’s word?  It might not be easy for us, but God promises to assist us through prayer and His word.  In Luke 1:37 (also in Jeremiah 32:27) God promises, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”  God, also promises in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Almighty God is so full of love for us and He wants us to grow, mature in His word, trusting Him.  He wants us to be PEACEMAKERS (Matthew 5:9).  “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).  Then God the Father promises to defend us, as seen in Romans 12:18-19.  “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. BELOVED, DO NOT AVENGE YOURSELVES, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,’ SAYS THE LORD.”  Our loving God can handle anything to big for us to deal with and He will, IF we DON’T GET EVEN.  Read, Meditate God’s Word—PRAY.    

Would you like to be saved and develop a relationship with God as your Heavenly Father?  If you would really like to know God, invite His Son, Jesus Christ, into your heart.  Please pray this prayer:  Dear God, please forgive me of my sins.  I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son.  I believe that He died on the cross, shed His blood, and rose from the grave for my salvation.  I confess Jesus right now as my Savior and Lord.  God fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can live a life that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!  If you prayed this prayer and meant it, based on Roman 10:9-10, you are saved.  Welcome into God’s Family!