SATURDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM
EVIL-SPEAKING ~Is expressly forbidden (Titus 3:2; James 4:11), and severe punishments are denounced against it (1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10). It is spoken of also with abhorrence (Psalm 15:3; Proverbs 18:6, 7), and is foreign to the whole Christian character and the example of Christ.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

EVIL FOR EVIL

Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
The idea is the care which Christians should take so to behave themselves as to command the respect of all men.

Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ's.

This is probably one of the most difficult precepts of Christianity; but the law of Christ on the subject is unyielding. It is a solemn demand made on all His followers, and it must be obeyed.

But when we are bidden to prepare good things before men, we must at the same time notice for what purpose: it is not that men may admire and praise us, as this is a desire which Christ carefully forbids us to indulge, since He bids us to admit God alone as the witness of our good deeds, to the exclusion of all men; but that their minds being lifted to God, they may give praise to Him, that by our example they may be stirred up to the practice of righteousness, that they may, in a word, see the good and the sweet odor of our life, by which they may be brought to the love of God.

Proverbs 24:29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
Say not, I will render to the man according to his work, and make him pay dearly for it; for it is God's prerogative to do so, and we must leave it to Him, and not step into His throne, or take His work out of His hands. If we become judges in our own cause, we forfeit the benefit of an appeal to God's tribunal; therefore we must not avenge ourselves, because He has said, Vengeance is mine, Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Pro 17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
To render evil for good is devilish. He that does so, brings a curse upon his family. As therein unkind to his family, for he brings a curse upon it. This is a crime so heinous that it shall be punished, not only in his person, but in his children and his children's children, for whom he thus treasures up wrath. The Jews stoned Christ for His good works; therefore is His blood upon them and upon their children.

As we help other people, we should realise this. The people that we help may not be honest. They might be cruel or unfair. As Christians, we serve God, rather than other people. We help them, because we love God. God rewards us.
If we are in difficulties, then we should obtain advice and help. We should not remain in a situation that is too difficult for us. But, if in the off chance that the advice and help given was in error then God will convict the advice and help giver. Let's just hope that person knows the voice of God and is willing to listen and admit they were wrong.

God's Blessings to each of you,

LJG/rECj