How Do You Respond to Others?

Romans 12:17, "Recompense to no man evil for evil.  Provide things honest in the sight of all men."

The normal response when someone has hurt or offended us is to treat them in a similar manner.  If someone does us wrong, we will do them wrong.  If they wound us, we want to get even.  This, however, is not the way a Christian is to live his life.  First, we are commanded not to repay a person who has treated us in an evil way with evil.  Many people live their lives in what counsellors often call "evil for evil relationships."  The bible tells us later in this chapter how to overcome evil, "...overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). Secondly, we are commanded to "...Provide things honest in the sight of all men."  The word "honest" refers to that which is good, beautiful, and genuine.  To "provide" means you have taken steps beforehand to offer something to another.  Have you taken the necessary steps to provide things that are good, beautiful, and genuine to "all men," no matter if they have treated you unfairly or have wronged you? 

Matthew Henry states, "Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another...The line of our duty is clearly marked out, and if our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of our God to whom vengeance belongeth." 

Make a difference in the world you live in by obeying this great verse!  "Recompense to no man evil for evil.  Provide things honest in the sight of all me."

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How do most people respond when hurt by someone else?

2.  Rather than repaying a person evil for evil, what does God say we should do?

3.  What kind of steps have you taken to provide things that are good and genuine to others?

4.  Is there anyone who you should get right with today?  Have you responded to anyone with evil?