Bible Society of South Africa

Have you ever been hurt? – 22 February 2023

By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Bible text(s)

Romans 12

17If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. 18Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. 19Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, “I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord.”

Romans 12:17-19GNBOpen in Bible reader

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are good to the people around you, but constantly have to endure hurtful remarks towards you? Or maybe you recently found out that people you thought loved you were gossiping about you behind your back.

It hurts. And when someone gets hurt, we tend to want to return that hurt.

However, in Romans 12:17-19 we find advice on how to deal with these challenging situations: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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.” (NIV)

We overcome evil with good. Surrendering a hurtful situation to God and starting to pray for our enemies, not only brings peace into our lives; it also helps us to experience how he supernaturally changes the hearts of those who cause the hurt. It sets us free. God bless.

Prayer: Father God, you know my situation. You know who hurts me. Please help me to protect my heart. I surrender it to you. Please help me to experience peace in my life. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

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