Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
Feb. 15, 2025
Romans 12:17-21
17 Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. 18 If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. 19 Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. 20 Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. 21 Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.
Good Morning. Live at peace with all people.
Do you know someone who doesn’t speak to another person because of something that happened years ago? Best friends or even family members can be torn apart because of a perceived grievance.
Jesus teaches us to love everyone, even our enemies. It is hard to humble yourself and offer forgiveness to one who has wronged you. The longer we allow the hate to live within us, the more egregious it becomes. This wrongful act festers and poisons your heart.
Evil will never be defeated by evil. Evil can only be defeated with love. Jesus chose to bear all our sins so that we might receive forgiveness and be reconciled with God. The answer to all of our problems is love. Love God and Love one another. We can start the process by loving someone we don’t like.
The saddest revelation is learning that a simple misunderstanding started the rift between two people. All of those years of separation from a loved one are wasted time. God calls us to forgive our enemies as he forgives us. Share a gesture of kindness with someone today.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! You love us! The idea of loving our enemies challenges us. Help us release our feelings of hatred. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Anger is disarmed when we refuse to participate.
Love one another! Pastor Liz
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