Living Well is the Best Revenge

   “All we care about is living well before God.”  Hebrews 13:18 MSG

   I read a quote by George Herbert – the late poet, orator, and Anglican priest – that gave me a new perspective on how to live.  He said, “Living well is the best revenge.”  I discovered that this quote is often used with regard to people who have been wronged, and that it is a plea for them to focus on living good lives, instead of seeking revenge against those who hurt them.

   I am 70 years old now, and I have been married to the same man for more than 48 years.  I have also been a mother for more than 46 years.  You can bet that I have had plenty of chances to get angry, bitter, and offended toward others, including toward my closest loved ones.  I haven’t always been Christlike in my treatment of people that I come in contact with, or that I have been in relationship with, but I am learning that it is best for ME if I refuse to hold grudges against others.  When I am walking in forgiveness, I am truly “living well,” and enjoying the unshakeable peace that my Savior died to give me.

   I have seen enough people NOT living well – and ending up bitter, resentful, and dying a slow death – that I want nothing to do with that kind of lifestyle.  Every time someone hurts me, and I am tempted to strike back or be unforgiving, I think of the people who are bitter and miserable, and it jolts me into giving my wounds over to the Lord, and receiving His comfort and healing.

   The Bible says, “All we care about is living well before God.” (Hebrews 13:18 MSG)  When our goal of “living well” supersedes our desire to “get even” with those who hurt us, we will learn that this kind of “revenge” is indeed the sweetest of all!

   Lord, empower me by Your Spirit to make allowances for other people’s faults, and to forgive anyone who offends me.  Help me to remember that because You have forgiven me, I must forgive others. (Colossians 3:13 NLT)  Don’t ever let me become bitter or unforgiving, and don’t allow me to ever feel comfortable with strife or indignation.  Thank You that as I live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ, the blessings of Your promises will flow unhindered in my life! (Ephesians 5:2 NLT)

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