Good morning, 

If you’re anything like me (let’s hope not), you've probably faced situations where your initial reaction wasn’t the best one. For example, when a reckless driver suddenly cuts in front of you, forcing you to slam on the brakes while hoping that the car behind you doesn’t collide with you. Or when your boss takes all the credit for your ideas and hard work. These scenarios occur frequently, and if we're honest, we often feel the urge to strike back!

I’m grateful that God understands the rush of adrenaline and sudden anger we experience. However, as believers, we know that our anger doesn’t justify striking back at others. The world may tell us that instead of getting mad, we should just get even, but we are called to rise above that.

A great example for us is the story of young David in 1 Samuel 24. King Saul has been relentlessly pursuing David with the intention of killing him. One day, Saul enters a cave to relieve himself, unaware that David is hiding inside. David's men become excited and whisper to him, "Look, here’s your chance! God has placed him right where you need him.” Please do it! Please do it! Kill him!

David's response teaches us how we, as believers, should handle those who victimize us. In 1 Samuel 24:12, he says, "May the Lord judge between you and me. May the Lord avenge me against you, but I will not lay a hand on you."

So, Gene, how should I deal with those who wrong me? I'm reflecting on this for myself, not just for you, the reader.

Turn it over to God and ask Him to right any wrongs that may have been done to you. Make a personal commitment. David said, “May the Lord judge you… May the Lord avenge me against you!”

David’s choice was difficult, but it was ultimately the right one.

To conclude, I would like to share a quote from one of the early church fathers, Jerome: “Nothing is more to be feared than too long a peace. You are deceived if you think that a Christian can live without persecution. He suffers the greatest persecution of all who lives under none. A storm puts a man on his guard and obliges him to exert his utmost efforts to avoid shipwreck.”

Here’s to making the right choice,

Gene