I am driving down the highway when someone passes me, pulls into my lane with less space than I am comfortable with, and then presses on their brakes. This is one of my pet peeves because of the danger that is involved. But I have a choice at this point. I can get angry and dry to exact revenge or I can simply pray for that person and try to find a way to do good. My natural impulse is to get revenge by passing them and doing a quick lane change in front of them. If I yield to that impulse, I am doing no good for me or for them, but rather I am escalating the danger.
Luke 6:27-28 says, “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bess those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Oftentimes, Jesus’ teaching contradicted the current cultural values and we still consider His teachings as the opposite of normal human behavior. But when He says “love your enemies and to do good for them” He knows what is good for us. Anger and revenge on those who hurt us does not achieve good, but only escalates the problem. Instead, we should pray for those who hurt us and find a way to do good for them. In most cases their behavior and their attitudes will change. It is also likely that our behavior and attitudes will also change.
Reluctant Retiree 