⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. Romans 12:9 & 17

It is an easy trap to fall into; it is an easy way to live.  If someone hurts you, you hurt them back.  If someone causes you pain, you cause them pain.  To do anything less shows you are weak.  Or at least that is the perception.

But this is not God’s way.  Paul tells us to hate evil and cling to the good, and to not repay evil for evil.  This is difficult yet think about it.

How many acts of violence happen as “reciprocal”?  When you get into the cycle, year after year, nobody truly knows when the first incursion happened.  Look at world history and how certain ethnic groups continue to battle each other, look at family fights and again, does anyone truly know the beginning of the feud?

If we were to cling to what is good, if we were to do right we can change the world – and it starts with each of us, seeking the good.

As we journey through this week, let us do this very thing, seek the good, be sincere, and live God’s word.

Peace,

Pastor Bill