Deadly Sins New and OldSample

Getting Even

The most powerful force for social change during the civil rights movement in the 1950's and 1960's was not anger and violence. Though minorities in America had every reason to boil with rage, it was not rage that changed things. In fact, the outbursts of racial rioting, looting, shooting, and arson in the 1960's only dealt terrible setbacks to racial reconciliation.

The real power for change came from the moral leadership of people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose strategy of nonviolence triumphed because it is God’s strategy: “If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:20, 21).

How are you at the Christian skill of absorbing injustice? Do you believe in patience and persuasion, or do you harbor revenge fantasies in your mind? Do you subscribe to the “Don’t get mad, get even” philosophy? When injured in some way, do you feel compelled to “teach them a lesson”? As Christians we can leave the judging completely to God. He will get it done, all of it, at his time, and in the most perfect and appropriate way.

Here’s a prayer and promise you and I can make to God today: “Dear Lord, I am not going to continue a cycle of hate and retaliation. It stops with me. Please help me. Amen.”

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