Good morning!
Greetings in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:22-24)
The author of Romans (most agree Apostle Paul is the author) lamented about His helplessness by exclaiming “Wretched man that I am!” Although we are born again through the power and love of Jesus Christ, and our old self is still lingering in our heart, and wage war against our new self. As long as we are on earth, this is unavoidable. Rather the important fact is that how often we get into this painful situation: disrupting our relationship with the Holy Spirit in our heart.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)
What does Romans 12:19 tell us? Beloved, don’t think (or not to be trapped in a temptation) to fight this battle in us with our earthly scheme and wisdom, but to pray to God. God tells us, ”Vengeance is mine, not yours.” Our reaction, especially when emotionally charged due to our feeling of injustice and/or unfairness, will easily lead to another sin before God and against the other party. Of course, our heart and mind will tell every good reason to act upon, and being justified by ourselves, but God says “stop and give it to me because Vengeance is mine, not yours.”
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
God is always waiting for us with open arms. He wants to give us peace by healing wounds in our hearts, which are inflicted by others. He eagerly hears our plea, and He takes away all our burdens in our hearts because our heart is easily swayed by our fallen nature. What we need to do is just casting off all our heavy burdens and pains lingering in our hearts, and instead receiving Him who is gentle and lowly in heart. Then we will find rest for our souls.
To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20-21)
Then the Bible continues. What we really have to do is to love our enemy with the love of Jesus Christ. In fact, we are one of the master pieces of God, but it is work in progress. Thus, we still suffer from our old nature, which wants a vengeance. Therefore, God has given us a Godly law of “Vengeance is mine” to prevent from taking matters into our own hands to satisfy our old self. Thanks to God, who are gracious and full of mercy! He knows our weakness, and he helps us to continue following paths of righteousness. Thus, as soon as we notice that our heart is drafting away from the love of Jesus Christ, we pray to God to truly give all our sufferings, pains and associated painful memories to God while confessing honestly our weakness. Then God surely takes away all of our pains from our hearts. Instead, He fills our hearts with the peace of God from the above. We will be reached to the Heaven, and be filled with our joy. The peace of God transcends all our understanding, quarrels and pains on earth.
Let’s continue praying before God so that we can grow deeper relationship with God. Continue casting our pains and painful thoughts to Jesus Christ. He will renew our hearts, and fill with grace and peace that we cannot find on earth. Then share the grace and peace with our enemies. Overcome evil with good, and shine His light. Thanks to God! One who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Amen!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 )
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