TEXT: PROVERBS 19:11
''The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.''
To nurse a hurt, and the revenge thereof, argues weakness and an ignoble personality. Any who passes over an offence done to him, manifests strength of grace. The world counts refusal to take the path of vengeance as weakness. In the eyes of God, none resembles His son, The Christ, as he who sheath the sword of vengeance: in a man full of forgiveness, all of heaven sees the image and glory of God: for God is faithful and just to pass over offences done to Him upon repentance. Vengeful spirit puts a man in the bond of iniquity and the gall of bitterness. To have our sword drawn on all who offends us, makes us sharers in the lot of Ismael. Dearly beloved, had God gone on a rampage of vengeance against us, no one of us would live an hour! When God sets out to avenge a wrong, creatures fight for Him: the stars in their courses fight His adversaries! But how decided is God to pass over our offences in Christ Jesus! We dis-grace ourselves whenever we nurse vengeance, and magnify the target of our vengeance. King Saul insulted his royalty when he haunted David in every places: David told him, 'After whom is the king of Israel come out? after whom dost thou pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.' It is a shame for a priest and King to nurse vengeance against man, a dust, ashes, worm and a vapour. Oh saints, why are you, being a king and priest unto God, pursue a man, a dead dog, a flea, to take revenge on? Friends and followers of the man of Calvary, tell me, how are you a follower of Him who prays for His enemies, when you bed and board with vengeance? Let this ancient faithful saying sink into your ears, oh brothers dear: 'The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression!'
_________________
Ojoje Adeyi
|
