Evaluate Yourself...First

Scripture: Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. - Romans 12:21

Observation: Everyday, evil tries to enter our hearts and corrupt us into doing things we might later regret. It does so, in part, by manipulating us into believing we are righteous in all that we do. When another commits a wrong against us, it is THEIR fault, not ours. We fail to take a look at our own role in the conflict at hand. If we take so much time criticizing others, shouldn't we spend just as much time, if not more, critizicing ourselves? As the bible tells us, "Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us." (Romans 12:3) It's funny how when you hear the story of a conflict, told by the opposing parties, how each story embellishes the greatness of their deeds, yet underplays the hand they had in adding to the conflict. Remembering the previous scripture, we should "never pay back evil with more evil" but instead, "do things in a way that everyone can see you are honorable." (Romans 12:17) We have to understand that we aren't totally righteous and treat others without evil. "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." - Romans 12:18

Application: I must remember that the only 100% righteous being is God himself and because of that, I must evaluate myself before evaluating others. And regardless of what I might find, I must treat all those who I do come into conflict with, in a Godly way. I can't know what's going on in the mind of another person, and I can't pretend to understand what someone else is going through. Maybe they're having a bad day or maybe a loved one has passed away and getting angry is how they cope with that. I can stop evil in it's tracks by taking the time to sympathize with the other person, and treat them without vengeful actions, but by actions of caring and kindness.

Prayer: Dear Father...I thank You for the wonderful gift of forgiveness. I am so greatful that we can come into conflict with another individual, and still be able to turn that conflict into a friendship through the power of forgiveness and grace. I pray that You help me become more patient and gracious Lord so that I may forgive others, and forgive myself, just as You've forgiven me of all my sins. It's just an awesome fact that regardless of what anyone has done, that they can turn to You and know that they will be welcomed to Your table. I pray that You bestow that kind of heart upon me Lord. I pray that You stop me anytime I feel the urge to commit a vengeful act upon someone, and please guide me in my own self evaluation, anytime I come into conflict with someone else. I thank you again for everything this life has to offer. Amen