Scripture for the Day Nov 25th 2020: Adding Value to Others

One thing I learned early in my Christian walk is to always add value to others and never do something out of spite and anger. This attitude has prevented me from doing foolish things. There is no value to self or others in doing something to someone, like scratching a car, talking behind their back, or causing them to lose their job. Such action diminishes us and lowers the value we present in the world, and to God.

Those who reject God may seek revenge and harm. But there is a remedy: Prayer, Prudence, and Wisdom. One of my favorite verses sums up my stance:

Isaiah 54:17 New American Standard Bible 1995

17 “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper;
And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.

This prayer on my lips has served me well over the years. Praise be to God for His protection. If your anger is burning so hot that you want to "do someone in", take a minute and ask if you really want to be judge, jury, and executioner and at the same time being judged, convicted, and penalized by others who don't even know you? 

Deuteronomy 32:35-36 New American Standard Bible 1995
35 ‘Vengeance is Mine, and retribution,
In due time their foot will slip;
For the day of their calamity is near,
And the impending things are hastening upon them.’

36 “For the Lord will vindicate His people,
And will have compassion on His servants,
When He sees that their ]strength is gone,
And there is none remaining, bond or free.

Such vengeance also discards God. Do you want to be on the wrong side of the LORD? I did not think so. People value us much more if we're slow-tempered and walk away. This doesn't include acting in self-defense. But self-defense is not vengeance. It's protection. That's different.

By not pursuing your own wrath against someone, you're also protecting yourself against future potential encounters. This person could become a colleague or vendor, perhaps someone with political power, or someone who is a social influencer. 

Psalm 37:8 New American Standard Bible 1995
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.

Don't get me wrong, I get angry; at corrupt Biden, for example; at that company, that has just ripped me off. At the uncaring person in customer support, by people who take me for granted. But holding on to that anger will harm me more than others. I don't want to deal with ulcers, headaches, and other issues caused by anger that eats me alive. No, thank you. Forgiveness doesn't mean we have to continue a relationship with those who have wronged us. I tend to terminate those without looking back. And my forgiveness frees my soul. Why would I give the enemy the hold of my soul? I won't!

Let's bow our hearts and pray!

Father, thank You for Your forgiveness, for Your patience with us when we've done You and others wong.
Help me LORD, to reflect when I get angry, and let the Holy Spirit breathe peace into my soul.
Let me instead be thankful for your protection, and for the vengeance that You will exert in Your righteousness.
Praise be to You, LORD, and my Thanksgiving is Yours forever.

Proverbs 12:25 NASB1995
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.

In Jesus' name
Amen

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