Studying God’s word, and taking it to heart, I need to ask His forgiveness for wrong motives, thoughts, words, and actions. For my thoughts and motives will impact what I say and do.
(NASB) 1 Peter 3:8-9 “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.”
“Forgive me, O Lord – for not being harmonious in my thoughts or feelings, forgive me for not being sympathetic or brotherly or even kindhearted and yielded to You and Your words. Forgive me for not being humble in spirit toward others in my thoughts and motives. Forgive me for wanting to return evil for evil toward anyone! Forgive me for wanting to return evil for evil toward leaders in my country, past and present. What does Your word say for me to do?
Forgive me to desire to return evil instead of asking You to bless my perceived enemies and/or the perceived enemies of my country. You have called me for this very purpose! – To bless my enemies.”
Sacrificial living means to bless others – the very ones who deserve punishment. Thank You, LORD for Your words of correction to me. You call me to bless, not to condemn or castigate others.
NASB Romans 12:17 “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.”
NIV Romans 12:19 “On the contrary:
If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Your word tells me to never give a ‘pay back’. Evil for evil – to anyone! I am to respect what is right in the sight of all men.
“Forgive me for not giving respect to others. They are men and women who have value in Your sight. You died for the very ones I want to see pay for their evil. Forgive me, Lord. Please bless them with Your love, Your redemption, Your mercy, Your grace, Your blessings. In the name of Jesus Who sacrificed Himself for them, Amen.”
~ Take it to heart ~
NASB Proverbs 20:22 “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’;
Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.”