Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday August 19, 2010

As I talked about a current scandal in what is known as the "Vanity Publishing Business" a friend remarked after reading the articles in the paper, "Larry, this company and its leaders really damaged the people who trusted them." No doubt about that, the folks who trusted, including me were hurt in ways, some more than others. I lost time and trust in a friend. That hurts. Others lost money and suffered a little embarrassment.

My friend said, "Larry, don't get caught up in a raging desire for vengeance, for that desire can destroy you." He is right and I well know the truth of his statement. As I drove home a quote that I had used several years ago in my little booklet, "Golden Threads and Silver Needles" came to mind and it served as a balm to my hurting soul:

"A Christian will find it cheaper to forgive than to resent. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and waste of spirits."
Hannah More

Forgiveness, for the benefit your own peace of mind is always a smart act. In most cases no amount of punishment to the offender will ever truly satisfy, that's one reason God said, "Vengeance in mine, I will repay." The scandal at hand involves a company and its officers being heavily fined and ordered to refund money. The principle person already owes a small fortune in such punishment, so the reality is he/they will in effect go unpunished, except for public humiliation. How will the victims benefit from raised hypertension, sleepless nights, and numerous other physical and emotional maladies brought on by internalized rage? I am told that the internalization of rage often leads to serious depression.

That people can do disgusting things is well documented and we must not let the disgusting acts of others negatively impact our life through giving way to destructive thoughts and emotions. In the short run any kind of forgiveness is painful, but it is nowhere near as painful as nursing long term inner pain. As Hannah More said in essence, let go of it, do not rehash it over and over in your mind. Imagining the perpetrator roasting in hell, for the glory of God of course, may seem refreshing for the moment, but carried into days, weeks and even years is counterproductive and has no effect on the person to whom such imaginings are aimed. Being "upset" leads to bitterness and only God knows the end of bitterness. Notice:

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Ultimately, no one gets away with anything. The Great Accountant keeps the books.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2010 Use with credit.

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