Down Gilead Lane, Season 6 | Episode 11

PICK YOUR BATTLES

Season Description

When a new star quarterback comes to town, the Richters feel threatened. What they don’t see coming is an unlikely friendship that turns the threat into answered prayer.

Today’s Story

Brad Smith and his friends have been terrorizing Anthony ever since the big party, and Caleb and Michael are really struggling with the injustice.  As a brand new Christian, Caleb is really having a hard time not taking matters into his own hands, and so is Michael for that matter.  It’s a lesson in being "persecuted for the sake of righteousness" and allowing Anthony to "turn the other cheek"?

 

How about you…

Have you ever been treated unfairly, or has it happened to someone you know?  Don’t you just want to get even or take revenge on people who persecute you or others with their words or actions?

Check this out…

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul wrote, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."  Paul quoted those words from the book of Deuteronomy where Moses was giving his final speech to the people ofIsrael before he died and they entered the land the Lord was giving to them.  As part of this speech, Moses recited a song of Praise to the Lord.  Everything Moses wanted his people to know about their God was summed up in that song.  Isn't it interesting that one of the characteristics that he touched on was that God is the one who repays.  And then, centuries later, Paul came back to that point, because he knew that the persecuted Christians in Rome would struggle with a desire to take revenge.  Moses and Paul are great examples from the Bible on how to live, but the best example we will EVER find is Jesus.  And what did he do when he was being persecuted- even to the point of death?  He offered forgiveness and love.  Take a look at Romans chapter 12 to find out more about what Paul had to say about love, forgiveness and mercy.