CAC LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2021 : TOPIC – DO NOT RETALIATE
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LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 -World Science Day for Peace & Development
DO NOT RETALIATE
Read: 1 Peter 2:21-24
1 Peter 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
MEMORISE:
Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work” (Proverbs 24:29)
EXPOSITION
There is no better day to say do not retaliate than today which is World Science Day for Peace and Development. There are two responses to being wronged by a person – the princely way that pleases God and brings peace, or the selfish way that follows the devil and creates strife. You can defer anger, ignore an offence against you, and show forgiveness and kindness (Prov. 19:11; 25:21-22), or you can get angry, remember the offence against you, and plot revenge. If you fear an enemy will destroy you unless you fight back, you have forgotten God, your defender (Prov. 16:7, 20:22, Psa. 27:1-6). If you fear an enemy will get away with unjust cruelty toward you, you have forgotten the God of vengeance (Psa. 3:7; 94:1; Rom. 12:19). Instead of the faithless approach of following feelings, put your trust in the Mighty God.
Paul warned against private revenge, recommended leaving vengeance in God’s hands, and exalted the power of returning good for evil to your personal adversaries (Rom. 12:17-21). Instead of rendering evil for evil, he taught that a good course of forgiveness and kindness should be followed with all men (1 Thess. 5:15). Revenge is the reverse of the golden rule (Lk. 6:31). Revenge is the way the world operates, but it is not God’s way.
Who do you think you should forgive today? What bitterness, grudge, or revenge should you cancel today? If you forgive others, God will forgive you; if you will not, God will not forgive you. It is that simple. (Matt. 6:14-15; 18:21-35). God has forgiven you. So, why not forgive others (Eph. 4:31-32)? Do it now! Be a prince and take the high road, the road of the righteousness of the Almighty God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord Jesus, give me the power over the spirit of revenge, and help me leave vengeance in God’s hands.
2. Lord Jesus, empower me with the spirit of forgiveness and kindness with all men.
3. Pray that God should grant warring couples the grace to overcome bitterness and grudge, and empower them with the spirit of forgiveness.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Jeremiah 36:27 – 39:8; Hebrews 3:14 – 4:15