Kindness vs Retribution
“Deceit is in the mind of those who plan
evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.” – Proverbs 12:20
We live in a world of high stress and short tempers, so those
who do not strike out in anger blatantly stand out. People notice when we
choose kindness rather than retribution, and many times, they wonder why we
make peace in tense situations. In the past, and sometimes even now, I have had
trouble controlling my temper. It makes me ashamed when I retort with heated
words of fury because God wants us to love and forgive one another. As the
Right Reverend Francis Paget, English theologian, author and the 33rd
Bishop of Oxford once said, “Almighty God, from who all thoughts of truth and
peace proceed, kindle we pray Thee, in the hearts of all men the true love of
peace…Amen.”
Just as the Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and
forgiving in sin and rebellion, we too must aim to be like Him. God, help me
exercise self-control so that I can reign in my impulsive words. Teach me to
love my enemies and pray for those who give me nothing but insults.
- Milo
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