Romans 12:21 (NIV): "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Have you ever had the feeling that certain people need a good taste of their own medicine, or that they deserve to reap what they have sown - after all, they have it coming to them? Well, that is not exactly the attitude the word teaches us to have. Since we are God's children, we are expected to imitate His nature. Aren't you grateful He chooses mercy and forgiveness over justice concerning us - every time? Being good to those who treat us wrongly may seem unfair and even impossible. The truth is - the Gospel is not based on fairness is it? We don't deserve the saving or the redeeming grace of God, but we are forever thankful to have it. And yes, in our own strength? Treating others with that same measure of grace that has been given us is impossible. That's why we have the Holy Spirit. He fills and floods our hearts with His love and peace and with the overflow of that love, we reach out and respond to others. The greatest miracle is not that we can actually do this, it's that when we do, that love we give not only changes others, and overcomes all evil - it increases even more in our own lives. We can't give God's love at a loss - it always multiplies itself back to us! It enriches and heals and restores the recipient as well as the giver! The next time you are tempted to dish out justice, remember the overcoming, never failing power of God's love in and for you. You'll find mercy to be a much more rewarding choice.