Listen to today’s devo!

They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. (2 Peter 2:13)

People talk a lot about getting even. Settling the score is a popular concept in our culture. Do you remember the saying “What goes around, comes around”? Though it is tempting to take matters into our own hands, the best referee in life is our Lord Jesus Christ. He knows all. He sees all. He is just. And he also knows the motive behind every word, thought, and deed.

It may appear that other people are more prosperous than you even though they do not live in obedience to God’s expectations. Hold on; their day is coming. It may seem that you were played as a fool or just plain ripped off in a recent transaction. Never doubt that all will be made right when God settles accounts. It may look as if God’s speakerphone is on mute. But listen well; he is about to declare his truth, and it will march on.

So shout, “Glory, hallelujah!” Paybacks belong to God. We would not be able to administer them accurately, but he is able. That should be a huge relief to all who trust in Jesus. Yet we must never gloat when someone else receives judgment. Rather, let us live in such a way that the only compensation we need from the Lord is the ultimate declaration of, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Revel in God’s eternal goodness, not in others’ recompense.

Jim Dunn is the president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. He previously served as the executive director of the Church Multiplication and Discipleship Division for The Wesleyan Church.

© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.