This was in my "inbox" this morning, after the horrific events in Tuscon on Saturday...appropriate for ME to hear:
How often do you want to "get even?"
The Lord despises double standards of every kind. Proverbs 20:10 NLT
Never pay back evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19 NLT
Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. Proverbs 20:22 NLT
God's measure
How often do we see the evil around us and pray for God's justice? We wonder, Why does God allow this evil to go on! This kind of thinking leads to two of the most common double standards: (1) judging others more harshly than we judge ourselves, and (2) believing God should judge others but remain lenient with us.
The Lord despises double standards because they elevate one person at the expense of others. These man-made standards also lack the mercy of God.
In our cry for fairness, we should not forget the frightening consequences of justice. As sinners, God could justly destroy each of us today for missing the mark of perfection. When we remember that God's patience and mercy block his judgment towards us, we will more likely show others patience and mercy.
WISE WAYS Before you rush to judge another person, ask yourself whether you would be able to endure the same standard.
Today, Lord, give me strength to replace judgment with mercy.
adapted from The One Year® Book of Proverbs by Neil S. Wilson, Tyndale House Publishers (2002), entry for March 20
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