PAYBACK

The 14th Sunday after Pentecost

1 SAMUEL 24:19 (MSG)
When David had finished saying all this, Saul said, “Can this be the voice of my son David?” and he wept in loud sobs. “You’re the one in the right, not me,” he continued. “You’ve heaped good on me; I’ve dumped evil on you. And now you’ve done it again—treated me generously. GOD put me in your hands and you didn’t kill me. Why? When a man meets his enemy, does he send him down the road with a blessing? May GOD give you a bonus of blessings for what you’ve done for me today!

ROMANS 12:17 (ABP)
Don't repay anyone for the nasty things they've done to you. Instead, take the high road and blast them with what everyone will recognize as extreme goodness.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
The followers of Jesus will focus on repaying evil with good.

PRAYER
Just God, I'm eager for revenge -- either now or later -- when others do me wrong. Yet, as we walk with you and allow your ways to become our ways, you reshape us with your radical mercy toward our enemies. This is so hard! Continue to train me so that this kind of mercy becomes my first response in all matters small and significant. My bold hope is that one day I'll perfectly reflect the compassion you've shown me. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.