Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for good things in the sight of all men....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:17,21

Gracious God, in Christ and the cross You have broken the syndrome of hurt, resentment, and retaliation.  When humankind deserved damnation,  You gave grace.  I have received that grace in unlimited abundance.  Now I have the power not to nurse resentment or seek to retaliate.  As You did not insist on getting even, set me free of the urge  to get even with people who have hurt me.

Forgive me for the different ways I package my retaliation: the pout, harmful gossip, benign neglect, or outright quid pro quo punishment.  When I do that, I’m the loser in the end.  I send the boomerang and it always returns to my own soul.  Help me to love myself as loved by You so that I will not inflict this pain on myself.

In each relationship in which I’m tempted to retaliate there is a good I can return instead of evil.  Help me discern what is that good thing I can do or say today.  Then give me courage to follow through.  You know me: I’m better at thinking about what needs to be done than I am at putting it into action.  Today’s a day to break the syndrome of hurt, resentment, and retaliation – for goodness’ sake!