Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.
This passage of scripture teaches us the sacred truth that matters pertaining to this life are to be dealt with in a peaceable manner by those of us who follow in the footsteps of Christ, even though at times justice may by crying in the streets, and equity cannot enter. It is very easy for the human heart to slip into a mode of bitterness and revenge on account of wrongs and injustices, that may or may not have merit. But in all things and in all situations, we are to avoid the snare of harboring bitter feelings of hatred for any reason, for if we indulge in this spirit, we partake of the attitudes and dispositions of the arch-enemy of Christ, who thrives on these lower sentiments. Let's read:
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 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.
It is not to say that the Christian is insensitive to the wrongs that are committed against persons every day, but our manner of dealing with them are not the same way that the world deals with similar problems. In other words, two wrongs never make a right, and instead of resorting to violence, riots, and the destruction of the properties of those who may have had absolutely nothing to do with a given situation, the Christian instead seeks to honor God by leaving such matters in His hands, since He sees and knows all. This instruction is particularly relevant at this time, when restraint and common sense should prevail over vengeance and bitterness. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 5:8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
A prominent example of the evil results of harboring a root of bitterness, occurred in days of old when some of the men of Judah committed a horrible act against a certain woman by abusing her all night, in so much that when the morning came she passed away. Her body was then cut into twelve pieces and sent to the other tribes of Israel, who upon hearing of this gross injustice, rallied their forces with the intent of seeking revenge for the terrible act done.
The result was that eighty five thousand people lay dead on the battle field, and the tribe of Benjamin was almost entirely annihilated, leaving only six hundred of them to carry on the tribe's name. What is worthy of note is that both innocent and guilty were slain in the ensuing carnage, which brings us back to the warning against harboring a root of bitterness, even when the circumstances may seem to warrant such feelings.
In our day there is a tendency for some of us to take matters into our own hands, by not waiting on God for a just resolve for wrongs done to ourselves or to other persons, and because of this, innocent people who have nothing to do with the matter, often also get hurt. The Bible teaches us an entirely different way of handling volatile matters, and if we keep our focus on God and His righteousness, justice will be served sooner or later. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to keep the peace and to follow after righteousness, knowing that The Lord sees and hears both sides of a matter, and will bring any needed corrections in due season. Let's read:
James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!