Romans 12:19-20. Beloved, never avenge yourselves but leave it up to the wrath of the Lord; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him a drink, for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” (2 Thess. 1:6).
In looking up cross references for these verses, I see they apply to anyone who harms us. God is our protector and He will take care of it. We are supposed to be Kingdom dwellers and act in such a way that love is our response, no matter what. Jesus said to “turn the other cheek”. That, to me, does not mean…let them slap you again, but that it has no meaning, therefore, it does not matter if you slap me or not-I will love you anyway.
I am not able to do this yet, but I can imagine the freedom that would come from it. To be so sure and secure in God’s love that we can look beyond the action and respond with love, knowing that God is in control would be something to strive for.
I also know that only God knows the other person, understands his or her heart and motivations. I can trust Him to take care of the issue. I don’t need to trespass on His territory. I must remember that my job is to love and bring others into the Kingdom and everything else belongs to God.
juliesramblings 