When we feel the sting of someone’s spiteful words or actions against us, we have a choice as to how to respond. In order for us to respond rightly, we must receive something from God that is greater than the offense we just suffered. This “something” is not a positive mental attitude that ignores reality, nor does it condone wrongdoing. While God has ordained civil leaders to administer justice when a law has been violated, for personal offenses, God offers to us something greater that brings freedom to our souls and resolves the bitterness that would otherwise consume us.