As an introduction to this Bible study, please read about the true story of revenge that inspired the famous novel The Count of Monte Cristo in the 1-minute devotion Deadly Revenge.
1. Unforgiveness grows into bitterness, and one of its many "bitter fruits" is vengeful thoughts and actions.
How do each of the verses below emphasize the damage we do to ourselves when we become bitter?
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
"Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes."
In 1 Corinthians Paul commanded the Corinthians to bring church discipline against a sinful member. In this passage, Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to forgive the man (who has since repented). How might Satan "outwit" the church if they don't do this? How might Satan "outwit" the repentant man?
Ephesians 4:26-27
"'In your anger do not sin': Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."
The Greek word translated "foothold" means: "a place, region, seat; an opportunity."
Hebrews 12:15
"See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."
Why is a "root" a good illustration?
1 John 2:9-11
"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them."
What do darkness and light represent in this passage?
2. Vengeful attitudes can take subtle forms. That's why God sets high standards for our thoughts, deeds and prayers.
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, 18 or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them."
Matthew 5:44-46
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?"
Romans 12:14-21
"Bless those who persecute you...Do not repay anyone evil for evil...Do not take revenge...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
God always calls us beyond our human understanding and logic to His wisdom and truth. We can only accomplish what He asks when we call on His power.
I encourage you to read these other 1-minute devotions with some additional thoughts on this subject:
Spiritual Cancer
Didn't Want to Do It, But Did It Anyway
© copyright, Gail Burton Purath, 2013, edited and updated in 2020, BiteSizeBibleStudy.blogspot.com
Bible Love Notes
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