A good reminder from Pray.com

     I've subscribed to a Christian email list that sends me Biblical messages every day.  This one was particularly profound, so I'm sharing it:

 

“Revenge is a sign of moral weakness.”

 

What’s the difference between justice and revenge?

Justice is for the greater good, while revenge indulges our emotions.

The escalating cycle of vengeance between Samson and the Philistines reaches its zenith in Judges 15, illustrating the destructive power of unchecked anger and the absence of wisdom in leadership. Samson, driven by personal grievance rather than divine directive, embarks on a path of retribution that sees entire communities caught in the crossfire of his wrath.

This chapter highlights Samson's physical strength but exposes the limitations of his character.

His actions, while devastating to the Philistines, also bring suffering to his people. When we give in to our anger and hate, people we love get hurt.

This episode of Bible in a Year serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of personal vengeance and the importance of seeking God's guidance before we move. It also challenges the notion that strength and victory are achieved through force alone.

We must seek strength that is tempered by wisdom.

Our greatest battles are not always against external enemies. They are often against the impulses within us that lead us away from God's purposes.

How to apply Three Hundred Foxes and a Jawbone: Reflect on the ways in which you might be allowing personal grievances or anger to dictate your actions. Consider how such motivations align with God's desires for justice, mercy, and reconciliation. This week, seek to understand the difference between pursuing personal vendettas and seeking justice in a manner that reflects God's heart.  

 

 

    I don't think it's any secret that I'm struggling with revenge-based thinking, a sort of "you threaten and hurt the communities I care about, I will want you dead."  Anger about the situation is more than okay, but when those thoughts turn to violence, at the very least you will hate yourself or make excuses that the deaths of good people are necessary casualties to get rid of the bad ones.  This is where I'm struggling, because I have very black and white thinking, which hasn't helped me at all.  I would appreciate your prayers.