| The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Alexandar Dumas, is a stirring tale of betrayal and revenge. After spending 14 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Edmund Dantes was on the brink of losing hope. After a chance encounter with a fellow prisoner, Dantes is able to gain the knowledge and resources needed to exact his revenge on those who had him falsely imprisoned. While revenge against those who have wronged us seems justified, Romans 12:17-21 tell us a different story: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. The freedom of forgiveness is always greater than the pursuit of revenge. |
Prayer |
| Lord Thank You for loving me despite my imperfections. Likewise, help us to love and forgive those who have wronged us. As we have been given the gift of forgiveness let us also freely forgive. Amen. |
Action |
| Is there someone(s) in your life you need to forgive? This week ask God to deliver you from the anger you feel against the individual(s) and replace it with a heart of peace and joy. |
DID YOU KNOW? – BREAK BREAD TRIVIA |
| The Count of Monte Cristo has been adapted into a movie numerous times. The 2002 adaptation featured Jim Caviezel as Edmund Dantes. Caviezel would star in Passion of the Christ 2 years later. |
Frank Turner
Frank Turner is the founder of Break Bread, Break Chains and is the co-host of the following podcasts: Defund The Church, Relative Currency, Politically Entertaining, and Christ over Crypto. He is also the founder and creator of the op-ed site Fake News Syndicate.