Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:17-19

Have you ever lashed out to someone who did you some kind of harm? Usually, a quick response leads to a less than ideal outcome. Chip Ingram provided four reasons why personal retaliations a bad idea –

• Our testimony is more important than our rights.
• We are to do our best to live at peace in the world.
• Retaliation usurps God’s authority.
• It doesn’t work.

So, for me, the most important thing found in the verse above is to “give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”

When I stop and give thought, I’ll remember that the life I lead as a Christian is more important than responding in a way that fails to represent who I want to be.

Let’s think about the danger of a knee-jerk reaction in a moment of crisis.