Refuge for a Single Mom
Every Single Mom Needs a Refuge. This is Mine. In the Natural Atleast!* A Blog Dedicated to Struggling & Hurting Moms of Every Walk of Life.
As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Vengeance ~ Expounded
Earlier in the week I commented that if we teach our children vengeance that they will learn vengeance and they will practice vengeance ~ ultimately keeping them from the gates of Heaven.
I`ve been asked to expound on this topic a bit. So here go my thoughts . . .
First of all, let me tell you a bit about my neighbors . . . they are not very nice people. They never have been and I`ve lived here 15 years. When I moved in their children were just little.
I learned very early on that you do not challenge them. If their dog (which should be tied) `makes dirty` on your sidewalk, where you have to walk, or jumps in your car with muddy feet, or eats your groceries out of your car while you`re running them in the house ~ you simply ignore it. You don`t get upset if their children throw rocks at your brand new car either. There were many `rules`! *wink*
I had `prophesied` (if you will) that their children would grow up to be the same kind of adults as their parents. And thus far, they are. They are disrespectful, inconsiderate, etc. ~ They were never taught otherwise!
Our children will grow up to practice exactly what we`ve taught them! Depending on the social circles in which they are involved, and other environmental exposure, they might learn a little better or worse. Initially, though, we teach them basic principles to grow on.
Therefore, if we teach them vengeance (or condone it), they will indeed learn it. If they learn that it is acceptable behavior, they will practice it. This certainly is NOT acceptable behavior. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19
It is truly not our place to seek our own vengeance. The urge to be vengeful is of the flesh. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18
We are to leave vengeance and judgment up to God`s discretion. For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." Hebrews 10:30
He has kept the ultimate list of good and bad. O LORD our God, You answered them; You were a forgiving God to them, And yet an avenger of their evil deeds. Psalm 99:8
