Day 192/365 – PAYBACK TIME

THE WORD: Matthew 5:44-45

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

LET’S PRAY

Heavenly Father, may my heart seek forgiveness over revenge, even when deeply hurt. Help me to discern the difference between healthy boundaries and vengeful actions. You have given me the strength to resist the temptation to retaliate. Teach me to choose love instead. As you fill me with your grace to forgive those who have wronged me, help me to build up relationships instead of tearing them down. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Have you ever found yourself drawn to stories of revenge and retribution? Maybe you enjoy seeing the bad guy get what they deserve. But let’s be honest, that kind of mentality isn’t exactly aligned with a God-centered life, is it?

Let’s talk about your own responses to hurt. Do you find yourself wanting to retaliate? Maybe you don’t throw eggs at houses, but you might go silent, detach yourself, or even justify your actions as “self-protection.” But even these responses fall short of God’s desire for us. God wants us to build up, not tear down. Jesus commanded us to love one another, just as He loved us. That doesn’t leave much room for eggs, does it? God wants us to stand out, to respond to people and situations in a way that glorifies His name. Remember Proverbs 17:9: “Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.”

My Sunday Skl