1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Getting Even

Getting even is a normal, fleshly reaction.  The flesh wants to get even, at least for the bad things that happen to us.  We want to render evil for evil.  The flesh, however, does not want to render good for evil or good for good.  Paybacks and a vindictive spirit is how we think and act in the flesh.  Instead of wanting to get even, we should try to follow the path toward good.  A path that leads to good is the word of God.  The Bible has the counsel you need to overcome hateful, bitter feelings and desires.  If we infuse our minds with the word of God, it will help us to overcome these evil desires.

Following Good Instead

When we try to follow good, according to the word of God, the first place to start is with yourself.  You need to come clean and admit you have bitterness in your heart, when you want to get even, and are not willing to forgive and forget a wrong against you as your Lord commanded you to do.  If you can’t be honest with yourself, you will not be honest with God.  You need to ask the Lord to reveal your sin to yourself.  Next, you need to follow good with others if you are going to forget.  Once your attitude toward self is correct, you will soon be able to help others, as well.  Make sure you do not want to get even, but instead, want to thank God for what you do have.

Photo by Dinur