Sweet Poison

Revenge is a poison we drink believing it will destroy our enemy. It ends up destroying us.

Why we do it is hard to say. Maybe human beings are hardwired to get revenge. Perhaps getting even is our automatic response to a personal injustice.

One thing is certain. When someone else hurts us deeply, vengeance—evening the score—is our first thought. It’s what comes naturally

History is full of conflicts started by vengeance. The very first one involved Cain and Abel. You can read about it in the first book of the Bible, Genesis chapter four. It ended with murder.

In America, the Hatfields and the McCoys come to mind. On the international scene, Arabs and Israelis may have the longest running feud. And they are by no means the only ones feuding.

Conflicts started by revenge can go on for years and generations. Eventually those getting even forget the reasons and simply react with a primal instinct: Get revenge no matter the cost. Make sure the perceived enemy “gets what’s coming to them.”

But no matter how sweet revenge tastes, the result is as bad for us as our enemy.

“Now hold on just a minute! How can something that feels so good be so wrong?”

Well just think about it. Can you name one example where revenge ultimately solved the problem? Neither can I.

“But what about justice?”

What about it? Justice is not about getting even but about punishing wrongdoers in a fair and impartial way. And if you want justice, be careful because justice is a sword that cuts both ways.

Imagine that there is an impartial, all-powerful judge who could dispense justice for all wrongdoers. Where would that leave us? We have all hurt another person at some point.

To be honest, what we really want is mercy for us and justice for our enemies. Is that fair?

The truth is that we are all self-centered and self-serving with little concern for others. If we do what comes naturally and avenge ourselves, we destroy any hope for peace and harmony.

Vengeance only leads to prolonged conflicts. War. What our hearts truly yearn for is peace. And if we really want peace we must turn to the Prince of Peace.

Jesus said, “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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Then he said, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Later the Bible adds, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord…. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Impossible? Yes, but as Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Peace with man starts by making peace with God. And the Bible says, “We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

If you would like to know how to have peace with God, go online and type stepstopeace.org in an Internet browser address window. Then follow the steps and pray with America’s spiritual counselor, Billy Graham. You’ll be glad you did.

Man’s solution to conflict is revenge. God’s solution is peace and forgiveness through Christ.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” not the revenge seekers. So if you want peace and God’s blessing in your life, it’s time to stop drinking the poison of revenge and trust Christ.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!