February 3

Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

This is a tough one. It is in our nature to lash out when offended. When we do, it starts a cycle of evil that goes back and forth, sometimes growing to huge proportions with lasting damage and consequences. It is like the well-known feud of the mountaineers, the Hatfields and McCoys; it goes on and on. God says that we should not render evil for evil. Let us look to the example of our Savior 1Peter 3:21-24. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us AN EXAMPLE, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who WHEN HE WAS REVILED, reviled not again; WHEN HE SUFFERED, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, THAT WE, being dead to sins, SHOULD LIVE UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS: by whose stripes ye were healed.” Let us honor God, live close to Christ, and “walk in the Spirit, and then we will not fulfill the lusts and sins of the flesh”. Galatians 5:16.

Commentary by Francis L. Harris

"...what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30