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Romans 12:9-21

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
Romans 12:17

Reflect

We live in a world that loves justice … on its own terms. Most people don’t like to be called out on their mistakes, even when those mistakes hurt someone else. But when we’re wronged — watch out! Growing up, I remember hearing the saying, “Don’t get mad — get even!” And while so many people preach “emotional intelligence,” more often we see people try to even the scales when they’ve been wronged.

Even so, the wisdom of the world has agreed that revenge is a risky proposition. Consider these quotes:

• “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” — Confucius
• “Revenge is always the weak pleasure of a little and narrow mind.” — Juvenal
• “The best revenge is to have enough self-worth not to seek it.” — Unknown
• “A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green.” — Sir Francis Bacon
• “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” — Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord

And then there’s this: “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” (Romans 12:19)

Revenge can be very hazardous to our health. A Greek legend tells about an Olympic athlete who begrudged the public acclaim given to his victorious competitor. The athlete seethed with anger when a statue was erected for the new Olympic champion.

Nothing would do but that he seek his own idea of revenge, which was to destroy the statue. Each night he secretly chiseled away at the foundation of the statue; he knew that if he chipped away at the base, the monument would eventually topple. The envious and disgruntled athlete succeeded all too well — the statue fell and crushed him, killing him with the chisel still in his hand.

What are the high costs of getting even?

Anger, envy, jealousy and revenge are toxic to spiritual health. Those who indulge in them will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Instead, the Lord directs us to see the “fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) He also commends forgiveness as a godly virtue: “…[bear] with one other and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13)

Disarm your enemies. Get even by laying down your life as Jesus did for us all.

Reflection copyright © 2024 Doug DeBolt and Charles Fulton.