How can we respond to those who harm us, as Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:14? Setting the Scene “Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds.” (2 Timothy 4:14) Paul’s Model Response • He names the wrong without bitterness • He refuses personal retaliation • He entrusts justice entirely to the Lord What Entrusting Justice to God Looks Like • A settled conviction that God sees every injury (Hebrews 4:13) • A deliberate choice to leave vengeance to Him (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19) • A heart free to keep serving without the weight of grudges (2 Timothy 4:17) Why Personal Retaliation Is Off-Limits • It usurps the Lord’s role as Judge (James 4:12) • It feeds the flesh rather than displays the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-23) • It damages our witness before a watching world (Matthew 5:16) Positive Actions in Place of Payback • Bless and pray for the offender (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28) • Do good when opportunity arises (Romans 12:20-21) • Guard your own heart by rehearsing God’s faithfulness (Psalm 55:22) Maintaining Perspective • God’s justice is certain, even if delayed (Ecclesiastes 12:14) • Present suffering is temporary; eternal reward awaits (2 Corinthians 4:17) • Christ endured unjust treatment first, setting the ultimate pattern (1 Peter 2:21-23) Walking It Out Today 1. Identify the hurt honestly—no denial or excuses. 2. Verbally release the offender into God’s hands. 3. Pray for grace to respond with kindness when contact occurs. 4. Focus on your assignment, not the antagonist. 5. Rehearse Scripture until peace settles in. Encouragement for the Journey When someone wounds you, Paul’s words invite you to rest in the Lord’s perfect justice. Hand the gavel back to Him, keep your hands busy with gospel work, and let His peace guard your heart. |
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