SATURDAY 2 April, 2016
Seething with Hatred
And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad. For Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. - 2 Samuel 13:22
There was no justice for the crime committed against Tamar. Amnon deserved punishment but none was given. His father’s lack of disciplinary action caused Absalom to take matters into his own hands. Notice he never said a word to Amnon, but inwardly hatred festered in his heart. Imagine Tamar being in Absalom’s home, desolate and solitary, she was a reminder to him of Amnon’s vile sin. He would repay him for what he had done to their sister. Absalom would wait for an opportune time.
We must be fully aware of any hatred developing in our hearts. It is a sin that can lead to murder and eventually God’s judgment. Jesus said:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a causeshall be in danger of the judgment. ... (Matthew 5:21-22).
You may think Absalom had a just cause against Amnon for what he did against Tamar, but God’s law says: You shall not murder (Exodus 20:13); personal vengeance was unacceptable to God. Paul tells believers: Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeanceis Mine, I will repay,”says the Lord (Romans12:19). God is a just judge. As we give those injustices to Him, He will avenge the wrongdoing.
Do you have seething hatred in your heart towards someone today? Turn it over to the Lord before you take matters into your own hands and do something you will later regret.
Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
~1 John 3:15~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!