Romans 12: 19 “Dear Friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it.”
Many of us have forgotten about the great family feud in West Virginia and Kentucky that began in January of 1865 and did not end until February of 1890.Twelve killed, ten wounded, and eight stood trial for crimes leading from the feud.
Until we read the events and its petty beginnings, it is difficult to grasp how costly vengeance can be and how long it can last. If you have the time, take a look at the story at the website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatfield-McCoy_feud
In growing up in a small town, I have heard people say, “Something like that will never happen around here. We are more civilized.” Yet time and time again, we have all witnessed character assassination. Political campaigns and newspaper tabloids sometimes destroy the lives and reputations of innocent people.
Even in our churches, people are often discussed in gossip groups, and sometimes told not to come back to that church. Those who know me are aware that I have walked through the pain and consequences of a divorce. When I announced that the divorce could not be avoided, leaders of the church I had attended for 38 years came and advised me that I could no longer worship there simply because I was going through with a divorce. They knew nothing of the background that brought me to this decision but because I announced the words, I was not longer welcome. To say the least, I was angry, hurt, confused, disappointed and ready to take my vengeance out on them. After weeks of hurt and anger many scriptures flooded into my mind. Romans 12 reminded me to try and understand their thinking, ask forgiveness, and then refocus on what the Lord wanted me to do with my life.
It was not my job to convince them of anything or to develop a “payback” scheme. Not knowing any facts they did what they thought was right. They did not interpret the scripture with grace but by the letter of the law. Again after about six months I learned that it is by grace that I am saved and forgiven. With that understanding I felt called by the Lord to love and forgive them.
We should all examine ourselves and see if there is someone we have been vengeful towards. Is there someone today who needs your grace and not you wrath?
Understand the innocent start to the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s feud. Someone signed up for what they believed by the other family as the wrong side of the army and the anger gave way to murder.
From that and the bloody outcome this should give us insight into our own lives and help us to love and be patient with each other. We may not murder literally but don’t we with our attitude, tongue, and heart?
Know about the grace you received and pass it on to others. Even when someone takes the first shot.
No comments:
Post a Comment