NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

REFLECTION

Rethink revenge is the theme for reflection. To rethink means to consider or assess especially a course of action again, especially in order to change it. Revenge is the action of hurting or harming someone in return for an injury or wrong suffered at his or her hands. The theme can thus be rephrased as reconsidering the decision to retaliate or hurt those who have caused us pain or injury. Jesus totally revolutionalised the law on retaliation or personal revenge for an injury or harm done to us by others. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 5:38-39). In other words, the disciples and followers of Jesus, are to eschew any form of revenge and violence and always seek mercy and peace as the will of God, for Jesus had assured them that “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:7,9). Dear friend, how can we experience the mercy and the peace of God if we do not rethink revenge? We are to remember that Jesus is the fulfilment of the law therefore if the Torah or Old Testament law makes room for revenge, Jesus fulfils the law ultimately on the cross when He teaches us to rethink revenge and say “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) when we are offended or hurt by others. As believers, how often do we resist the temptation to retaliate, show mercy to those who hurt us and seek peace? This is part of the cost of discipleship or following Jesus. There are times we just have to look on even when we are being deliberately injured or hurt by others for the sake of Christ.

Dear friend, another reason why we must rethink revenge is that the Lord fights our battles for us. Paul gives us the encouragement and assurance that “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.” (Romans 12:17-21) In others words, no matter the evil people do to us, vengeance belongs to God and not us. In our attempt to seek revenge, we may end up sinning against God but since He is the just God, He knows the best cause of action. Imagine the situation when everyone takes personal revenge for a wrong done to him or her,  Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi of India (1869- 1948) says “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. When we follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ, we shall overcome anger and the feeling of revenge through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Until we surrender our will to God, we shall continue to do our will and that includes taking revenge or retaliation which is against the will of God for our lives as Christians.

It is important to acknowledge the fact that Christianity teaches against personally taking revenge but it does not promote lawlessness or prevent a crime from being punished by the law of the state. In Law, when you poke the eye of your neighbour, the law will also poke your eye through retribution. I think this is enough reason to rethink revenge so that we shall all live in a country properly governed by law and order. Paul reminds the Roman Christians that “do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority (Legislature, Judiciary and Executives- Government) is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:3-4). There are some wrongs or evil actions that are crimes against the state and humanity, although the victim will forgive the offender because he or she is Christian, the law will still go ahead and punish the wrongdoer or offender to maintain law, order and security in the society. Retribution is one of the basic philosophies of Criminal law. We are not to engage in personal revenge for the law exists to punish the wrongdoer through the judiciary or justice system and the law enforcement agencies. As we rethink revenge, let us have respect for human dignity and do what is just before God always. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen us to treat others with respect and love and help us overcome the anger that may lead to revenge. Enable us to always rethink revenge even when we have been treated unjustly and seriously hurt by others. Help us to surrender our will to You by following the perfect examples of Christ so that His will will be done in our lives. Amen.