“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21

Dear Jesus, How easily I fall into getting even. It’s sometimes so subtle, only I and you know about it. Other times I selfishly want it to be painfully obvious to the one who hurt me that I’m evening the score. Either way, I see that I’m far from the faith filled “hands off” attitude you want from me. I know that you want me to be grace filled and to leave justice to you. I can’t do it without a supernatural makeover from your Holy Spirit. Fill my heart with the Spirit’s love and make me a goodness factory. I’m tired of keeping score and I’m tired of getting even. I just want to love and be loved. Only you can make that happen for me. Amen.

Getting even is a myth. It’s really a downward spiral into emptiness.