Sweet Revenge

     Confucius said, “Before embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”  Why?  Because revenge is like poison we drink believing it destroys our enemy.  Sadly, it can destroy us as well.

     Why people are so vengeful is hard to say.  Maybe human beings are hardwired to get revenge.  Perhaps getting even is an involuntary response to a personal injustice.

     One thing is certain.  When someone hurts us deeply, vengeance–evening the score–is our first thought.  We even see it in children.  It seems to come naturally

     History is full of vengeance.  The very first account involved brothers Cain and Abel.  You can read about it in the Bible’s first book, Genesis, chapter four.  It ended with a 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?”

     Think about it.  Can you name one example where revenge ultimately solved the problem?

     “But what about justice?” you may ask.

     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 there’s an impartial, all-powerful judge who could dispense justice for wrongdoers.  Where would that leave us?  We have all hurt others at some point.

     To be honest, what we really want is justice for our enemies and mercy for us. But 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 conflict.  War.  But what our hearts truly yearn for is peace.  And if we want real peace we must turn to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

     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.”  Did you get that?  Good overcomes evil.  Wow.  That’s new.

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

     Peace with man starts by making peace with God.  How does that happen?  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.  (Call or write me if you can’t go online.)

     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 in Christ.

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