Read Romans 12:17-21 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
1. What themes do you see in today’s verses?
2. What contrasts do you see, and how do they affect the way you live?
3. Where do you see God, and what difference does He make?
Respond
There are many situations in which we can justify lack of forgiveness. When we’ve experienced hurt, injustice, or evil, there are plenty of reasons to hold onto the pain. But what we learn in today’s Bible passage is that the gospel gives us the power to forgive. Not because the person always deserves it or because they didn’t do something wrong. No, we forgive because we aren’t the ones who decide their fate; God is.
What He calls us to do is love. To display the gospel through a kind of forgiveness that doesn’t make sense. Love is the only thing that can conquer hate. As we love, we relinquish our desire for revenge, which gives God room to deliver us from our bitterness.
Is that something you could use today – freedom from pain and bitterness? Let today’s verses release the desire to take matters into your own hands. Confess to God the tendency to want revenge, and ask Him to fill you with love instead. Thank Him for being in control, and let Him shape you as you surrender to Him.
Want to go deeper? Watch this commentary for more on what it means that vengeance is God’s.
*TPCC does not necessarily endorse all “Want to go deeper” sources. They are simply meant to be a helpful tool.