Hope When Words Hurt - Encouragement for Today - October 1, 2019

Peace and perspective from God's timeless truths. [View this email in your browser]( Encouragement for Today --------------------------------------------------------------- October 1, 2019 Hope When Words Hurt [RON BEERS]( [Listen to this devotion]( “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone … Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” [Romans 12:17-18]( 21 (NLT) Growing up I heard the adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Is there a more inaccurate phrase? Words hurt. They can do lasting damage, and once they are out of our mouths, words can’t ever be put back. As a dad, I remember my kids coming home from school or the playground with tears streaming down their faces from a hurtful remark. In those moments it would take every ounce of self-control and restraint to not let the Papa Bear start to roar. Reflecting on those years, I’m struck by my kids’ willingness to forgive their offenders. While I would hold on to the frustration and wonder what kind of parent would let their child verbally hurt another child, my kids would accept the apology and soon be off playing and laughing again. Personal offenses aren’t limited to childhood. As we mature, those seeming attacks from others can start to gnaw away at us. We get cut off in traffic, disrespected by a coworker or insulted by a spouse. In each case, we’re tempted to strike back, retaliate, give them their just desserts. But what does Paul say in [Romans 12]( “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone … Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” What? That seems so unfair. So what about the times when we mess up? If we got what we truly deserved, we would be in deep trouble for sure. But Christ gives us grace — undeserved favor. The grace Christ shows us is a guide for how we should treat others. The offender may deserve some judgment, but that’s not our job. By not reacting in anger and instead responding with good, we’re not excusing the bad behavior but showing a better way. We’re recognizing, forgiving and loving that person despite their misdeeds and sins against us. When we respond in this way, we forgive them just as Christ forgave us. If we love someone the way Christ loves us, we’re more willing to forgive someone. [Continue reading...]( [Learn more about RevenueStripe...]( [Read about Salem Web Network]( | [Subscription Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( --------------------------------------------------------------- © 2019 Salem Web Network. All rights reserved. 111 Virginia Street, Suite 500, Richmond, VA 23219. This email is never sent unsolicited. You are receiving this email because your email address, {EMAIL}, is signed up to receive newsletters, updates, and special offers from Encouragement for Today. [Link](