Parenting by the Book
STUDY 244
Text: Proverbs 20
26 February 2006
Dear Parents,
THE SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE
Thoughts of vengeance are never very far from the human heart. When a person has suffered terribly, feelings of vengeance can arise:-
1. When one’s parents have been brutally slain.
2. When one’s relative has been cruelly raped.
3. When one has been robbed blind.
These and other terrible circumstances in life can cause people to feel vengeful. To all who are over-wrought, the Scriptures have this to say.
Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil.’;
Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.Proverbs 20:22
REJECT THE SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE
It is vital that we reject the spirit of vengeance. To nurse this spirit endangers our very soul. Let us warn our children to steer clear of the spirit of vengeance.
1. “Do not say…”
The idea is, “Don’t even give utterance to the idea of vengeance”.
2. “I will recompense evil”
We often think that we can serve the cause of justice best. The fact is that this is not true at all.
a) We could end up being as cruel and wicked as the enemy.
b) We could easily up overstepping the boundaries of law and justice.
THE BETTER ALTERNATIVE
What then would be the better alternative that we can teach our children?
1. “Wait for the Lord”
It is important to bear in mind this vital truth… that God is also angry with the wicked. Let the Lord deal with the wicked.
2. “And He will save you”
The Lord will come to our rescue. We must cultivate a strong faith concerning this vital truth. Let us teach our children to walk in the right path.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie