The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 12:18-21, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will

repay,’ says the Lord.

20 ’But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon

his head.’

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Let’s just be blatantly honest: there are some people with whom it is impossible to get along. They are simply adverse to peace at any price. Have you ever known anyone like that? If you say, “It’s a nice day,” they will say, “Well, it could be better”

or “It’s not as good as yesterday.” Paul allows that attitudes like this are true; however, even when revenge is a justifiable response, he admonishes us to be as peaceable as possible with everyone.

Paul notes for us that that we are to be kind and loving, leaving the “tough stuff” up to the LORD. It’s like leaving the bully on the school ground up to a big brother. Not only can he adequately handle the bully, but it keeps us from allowing anger to

rise up in us. Anger has a way of lodging within us, so that we become angry more easily over lesser things with which we

disagree.

No, don’t become angry! Feed the one who is hungry and give water to the one who is thirsty. They will notice the difference

in your attitude. But what about the punishment they deserve? Leave that up to the LORD! He said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” How are they going to retaliate against Him? Humm? The truth is that we rather enjoy getting back at those we don’t like. But that’s not how true Christians behave. We are to grow in the likeness of the love of our LORD Jesus Christ.

Oh, don’t miss that “heaping of burning coals” on the enemy’s head! That concept used to mystify me. What on Earth does it mean? Long story short, it simply means, “The LORD GOD will take care of meeting out vengeance.” That leaves us a clean and clear corridor for sharing the Savior with them! True, spiritual love always wins the day! Try it today! You will glorify the

LORD, and your adversary will have a new and better perspective of you.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom