Day 26
Topic: What does Jesus say about Revenge?
Text: Matthew 5: 38 – 42
Introduction:
A famous Chinese philosopher, Confusius, wisely stated: ‘Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.’ Every one of us must have been offended at one time or the other. When we are offended, the first thought that comes to our minds is to get even or take revenge. We often want to see our aggressors be hurt like us or go through even greater suffering as indicated by the reference to ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ in the text. However, Jesus admonishes us not to take revenge when we are wronged but to engage in acts that would calm the situation. We are encouraged to either walk away or try to resolve the conflict. We all know it is easier said than done, but it is better to leave revenge for God because his vengeance is perfect. Just like the quote at the beginning, when we take revenge into our own hands, we can be consumed by it.
Life Lessons:
- Leave Revenge to God: Rom. 12: 17 – 19, Heb. 10: 30, Lev. 19: 18
Don’t take revenge on your aggressors as you may find yourself in sin and possibly in contravention of the law of the land. It’s best to leave revenge to God who is perfect and will bring a perfect revenge.
- Be Calm and Respond Calmly: Prov. 15: 1.
Your response to the wrongdoing is key to how your Christian life is affected. Jesus indicated that we should respond by being calm (turn the other cheek) and trying to defuse the situation. Sometimes, a hostile situation is an opportunity for us to display our Christian values which may result in an uplifting.
- Take It In Your Stride: Matt. Prov. 25: 21-22, Rom. 12: 20 – 21
When you have done everything that you should do but the situation persists, do not let it bother you anymore. It’s time to just let God do what He does best and continue to show kindness to those that persecute you.
Life Applications:
- Never Take Revenge On Anyone
Trust God when he says, “Vengeance is mine”. Don’t try to take revenge on your own as the consequences can be disastrous and God will leave you to your will. I can assure you God’s vengeance is the best. God has never let His children down and will continue to defend them always.
- Walk Away Or Defuse Toxic Situations
You can try to resolve personal differences with your aggressors but walk away if it becomes too toxic. Trust God to resolve what you can’t.
- Bless Your Aggressor
Instead of contorting ways you can make your antagonist suffer twice as much as you did, Jesus asks that you find ways that would make him or her be impressed by you.
Lesson of The Day
It is not easy to love your enemies but that is what Jesus wants us to do instead of taking revenge. May God help us to follow His examples in Jesus’ name, amen.
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