Revenge
by Zeke Flores
Revenge. The word flows through the lips almost in a kind of hiss full of sinister thoughts and inappropriate payback.
We might dress it up in the indignant clothing of “justice,” but our attempts to justify it don’t change what it is: retaliation, the required “pound of flesh.” When insult or injury by someone else is done to us, revenge is the first thought for most of us. We want to hurt them like they’ve hurt us. Actually, we’d like to hurt them worse than they’ve hurt us. It’s a human response to an all-too-human situation.
Little wonder, then, that God’s word addresses this “fight back” instinct. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus spoke of “turning the other cheek” (Matthew 5:38-39). His scenario specifies being slapped on the right cheek. Since most people are right-handed, to be slapped on the right cheek meant someone would be hitting you with the back of their right hand. A slap on the cheek is an insult in any culture. It’s a degrading action meant to show derision and disrespect. It’s doubly so when someone backhands you.
The Jews allowed for a “suitable” response by misapplying a law given to judges: “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But most folks don’t want an equitable response. We want more. Jesus’ solution speaks to this. He said that when we’re injured or insulted, we certainly should want more, but not in the way we might instinctively think. In this and the following verses, Jesus told His followers not to retaliate but to act generously, even far more generously than the situation requires. Be more generous in justice (Matthew 5:40), in service (Matthew 5:41), and in benevolence (Matthew 5:42). Finally, He says His followers will act more generously in love (Matthew 5:43-48), thus proving themselves to be children of a heavenly Father. In short, changing how you think and act when someone is working you over is an opportunity to show true love for that rascal and honor to your Father.
The easy way is to fight back, to come at ‘em with both guns blazing. After all, that’s the way of the world. But the way of the Lord is to show humility and be willing to suffer loss, even when – especially when – it’s hard. Because, you see, His people are not like the world.
God will judge the rascal who injures or insults you, but He’ll also judge how you handle the situation. Don’t be bitter; be better than that.
"You have heard that it was said, 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right check, turn the other to him also" (Matthew 5:38-39).
"Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. 'But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:19-21).
