Day 25 - Payback

READ Proverbs 25

When someone does us wrong, it is our natural instinct to get payback. Someone pranks you, you want to prank them back. Someone eats your Skittles, so you take their Yoo-hoo. Someone insults you, firing back a “yo’ mama” works every time.

Those are kind of silly, but sometimes it’s much more serious than that. And how when we respond, or “payback” others is important. In Proverbs 25, we see that instead of seeking revenge towards our enemy we are actually told to serve them.

“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat .If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.” Proverbs 25:21

The ultimate “payback” does not come from harm or hurt, but instead comes in the form of love and service. A good question to ask yourself is, "if I were in their shoes, wouldn't I want others to forgive and love me?". Choose to love those who hurt you and decide to serve them.

We can do this knowing that even if others continue to wrong us God will ultimately settle accounts, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.” - Romans 12:19

PRAY and ask God to identify any grudges in your heart towards anybody and decide to love, serve, and forgive them instead.