An example is like exchanging 4 quarters for 1 dollar. We “inflict injury or insult in return for that we have suffered”. When we are trying to remain or exist, it does not matter who inflicted our insult or injury, it is returned to the nearest person.
The one, who plucked out your eye, is not the one whose eye you just plucked out. The one, who neglected your children, was not the one whose relationship you just cut off from their children. The one, who withheld a lifeline from you, is not the same person from whom you withhold a helping-hand. Evil alliances come a penny a dozen, real trust is rarely found.
Privileged people will not apologize for having privilege. We should not expect them to. Keep in mind that bad spirits can influence good people. We do not fight against flesh and blood, (Ephesians 6:12).
The enemy has come to gain control over his adversaries by inciting dissent between them. This scheme prevents them from uniting in opposition to the true foe, the devil.
God gives us life to the fullest, (John 10:10). HE never withholds HIS promises from HIS children. We have dominion over our decision to embrace or deny HIM. Just realize that HIS reaction may be silence, when we need HIM most. Tit-for-tat, is of evil people, not of God.
There is no action required to gain a reaction from the enemy. It is not always what we say that raises his anger, sometimes it is what we do not say. We can say one thing, and they will say another. We can do one thing, and they will do another thing. To deny their lie, gives them justification in not upholding our truth. Speak reality out loud, and they respond with silence. Take notice that when we are happy, they are angered by it. When you are happy, you help them, in their anger, they will hurt you. They plot in silence with a smile of deception.
In marriage, not realizing that anger and bitterness can be passed down to the children. The children can carry such a burden for their entire lives. They learn to hate another who may think or look differently than they do. It is a tit-for-tat reaction by them, for watching you hate others for the same reasons.
God does not compare earthly fathers to the Heavenly FATHER. There is no comparison, as an earthly father should never compare their children to another child. Nor is a mother, sister, or aunt, to be compared to an earthly father. The actions of fathers impact how children see God. Get help, healing, and wisdom, that you may give children hope for the future.
Do not chase things of the world; recognize the blessings that you already have. If along your journey you do not run in to tit-for-tat, chances are, you and the enemy are running in the same direction.
Live not in denial, forgiveness is freedom. Encourage often, give grace, and speak life, not as a tit-for-tat, but an example of unconditional love. When your children follow your lead, lead them to the Savior.
Do not allow love for money, fame, or success to be a tit-for-tat reaction for loving God and family. Admit that you have wounds, if you want them to heal. Find a healer if you have an illness. Surround yourself with people willing to speak truth, even when you do not want to hear it. Face facts when you need to grow or overcome obstacles. Better that you be king of silence, than slave to lies. “A river cuts through rock, not by power, but by persistence”.
Ephesians 6:12
New International Version
12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:12
King James Version
12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:12
Living Bible
12 “For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.”
John 10:10
New International Version
10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
King James Version
10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
Living Bible
10 “The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.”