80 million acts of vengeance

Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to what is honorable in sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

Most surveys reveal that at least 80% of Americans consider themselves Christian. It should strike us as odd that there are 80 million lawsuits filed in America each year. We are only 4.6% of the world's population, yet we have 70% of the world's lawyers. The stats drive me to ponder the question why? If we are walking in Grace which is something we did not merit and were forgiven based on another's work then why are we so quick to sue? What about Christ's words about turning the other cheek? What about Paul's words above? To get to the core of the tension we must address this vital question: Is revealing Christ's grace more important than our stuff and money?

Paul is charging the church at Rome, and all Christians in turn, to walk as Christ walked in forgiveness. Why? It baffles people and makes them evaluate how in the world can this guy or gal just be done wrong and be content. As that unveils, our dialogue is in fact preaching the Gospel to them: I can forgive and go on in peace because I have a God that will provide and I know that He will square all debts and judge with perfect justice in the end. Paul says think of Christ on the Cross sacrificing His life for us rebels. That is the epicenter of Grace and our praise of Him will be the fuel for the fire of forgiveness. Vengeance will fuel an unforgiving heart and freeze it cold. Why then is America the epicenter of self preserving litigation when we should be the epicenter of Grace filled, praise fueled forgiveness?

So how do you walk today, even if you aren't suing someone? Do you walk focused on gain for yourself? Do you feel the need to fight for your stuff so that you can get what you deserve?

Christ fought for us brothers and sisters so that we in fact can get exactly what we DO NOT deserve! Let's pray that God would lead us to be change agents of Grace!