"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord" - Romans 12:19 (NIV).

After the American civil war (1861-5), had come to the end, President Abraham Lincoln gave memorable remarks. War tends to bring out the worst in human beings. And there was a lot of bitterness by the victorious armies from the North who wished to exact revenge on the defeated rebellious Southern states. But Linclon lifted himself above all that and urged his country men, "With malice towards none; with charity for all!"

Malice is a force that can be used against a former foe for purposes of leveling him. There are cases where one who once felt slighted has finally the power to get even and proceeds without hesitation. One of the most revealing accounts in the Bible was when Joseph as Prime minister of Egypt met his brothers who had once attempted to murder him, later selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-36). He had the power then to get even, by perhaps obliterating them.

Instead Joseph used his position to lift his old nemesis up, and usher them into the presence of the King (Genesis 47:1-12). Have you ever wondered who was more victorious! Of course you know, the brothers were now to carry that burden of having once sought to kill their brother out of spite to their grave. But for Joseph he was free from all that.

In all personal relationships there comes such moments of being done harshly. But may we not give in to the flesh and it's urge to revenge, but leave matters in the hands of the Lord and He will redeem us!

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, free me of any bitterness that I may live a truly victorious life in Christ, in Jesus's name, I pray.