The key to remember here is a simple idea that Jesus clearly articulated:
“‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” [Matthew 23:39 / Gal 5:14].
If we truly wish to emulate Christ– we must love without condition, with great compassion– and forgive the moment a wrong-doing occurs. Let go of the need not only to ‘defend’ but to ‘counter-attack’.
That’s a big leap of faith, especially in a world where much societal/cultural training points to anything other than this behavior…but a necessary one to make, if we are to advance as a species…
Romans 12:19
Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
This classified ad actually appeared in a San Francisco area newspaper:
For sale: 1984 Mercedes, 240 SL. Loaded. First $50 takes it. 868-5737.
Not believing his eyes, a man called the number to see if the “$50″ was a misprint. A woman assured him it wasn’t. So the man rushed to her home and gave her $50 in cash. As she handed him the title to the luxurious automobile he asked the obvious question: “Why are you selling a Mercedes for $50?”
“Well,” she explained, “my husband just phoned me from Las Vegas. He’s there with his secretary, and he said he’s leaving me. He went broke gambling, and he asked me to sell the Mercedes and send him half of what I get for it.”
This woman got what she thought was “sweet revenge.” Unfortunately, it’s a pattern of behavior that often creeps into families that aren’t breaking up, as well as those struck by the tragedy of divorce.
We justify getting back at people when they take advantage of us. Accounts need to be “evened up.”
Why does the Bible challenge such thinking and behavior? Why are we to leave vengeance to God? Because He, not us, is the source of right and wrong. When your mate hurts you, it ultimately wounds God more than you. Furthermore, God is the One who can dispense forgiving grace to you when you hurt your mate.
To take on the right of getting back at others is basically a sign of pride. The apostle Paul’s counsel, “Bless those who persecute you” (Rom. 12:14) is followed closely by the command, “Do not be proud” (v. 16, NIV). We dare not clutch for ourselves that which belongs to God.
Punishment belongs to Him. Marriages work better when we leave such lofty matters to heaven.
Prayer:
That you and your mate can develop the humility to be more forgiving toward each other, leaving revenge in the hands of God.
Discuss:
What types of offenses typically lead you to seek revenge? How has your mate sought revenge against you?
Dear God,
Thank you for grannting me grace and forgiveness when I wrong those around me and behave in ways contrary to your commanding and Jesus’ example.
I appreciate the humility and compassion you have placed onto and in me– and thank you for the hard lessons placed before me, to lead me into this way of thinking. You are truly a wonderful God–who shows Love and compassion in every moment, and I know it deeply that you love us all, and commit myself to being the best example of Christ’s leadership in this regard.
Amen.
