by David Dewitt

Created on: October 19, 2008

The sad fact is that we live in a "get even" world and often adopt a "get even" mind set. We sometimes do more than just want to get back at those who wrong us, we actually do it and we "punch" them. We would never actually hit someone but we do things that hurt just as bad as a punch to the gut.

If you have ever crossed that line from wanting to get even to "getting even"; you've seen the reality. Getting even never brings any true satisfaction.

Getting even is the world's way of doing things, so what is the Jesus wants us to do things?

1. Live to be a blessing instead of being bitter
Motion is one of those areas of science that I always loved to study because you were able to see how and why things moved. One law of motion states that actions have an opposite reaction. This is the way Jesus wants you to live.

If a person hurts you Jesus wants you to react in the opposite way. Instead of getting even get ahead by blessing that person who wronged you. The simple truth is that you may not be able to choose how life treats you but you can choose how you will react. Life gives us just two choices we can either be bitter or we can be a blessing.

Make a habit of getting even with people - not those you think wronged you, but those you know who helped you. - Kay Levin

2. Getting even will always cost you something
When you make the choice to get even you are losing the opportunity to reveal the love of Christ in your life. Often this takes the form of doing just what is required and nothing of what is needed. There is no desire to go the extra mile.

What most people forget is that they lose out on the blessing of the extra mile. Extra efforts result in extra blessings and when we exit when our obligations are met we will never brake through to find that next level of blessing.

3. Realize your life is a tool for Christ's love and grace
There are times when difficulties come and life gets tough. It is just a fact that we all have to live with. Christ can use your life as a tool to reveal His love and grace to other people. The question is will you be willing to open your heart to the reality?

The reality is that getting even will cost you more than you really want to pay. What exactly is the price for getting even? The cost is your relationship with others and a right relationship with Jesus.

So today, take the step to give up your right to retaliate and do what is right. Make the commitment to live a life that blesses those who curse you. Become an instrument of Christ's love.

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