I Want Revenge
Matthew 5:38-39 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 evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.
You’ve probably heard that saying – don’t get angry, get even. It’s based on the idea that revenge is sweet.
Have you ever taken revenge on someone? Perhaps it was over a small thing. Or maybe it was a big thing.
When someone hurts you, it’s the most natural thing in the world to want to take revenge. You and I have a strong, in-built sense of justice, having been created, as we are, in the image of a just God. So when we’re on the wrong end of an injustice, we want recompense for our loss. We want that person who caused our suffering, in turn, to suffer as much as we have at their hands.
I used to think of revenge as a sign of strength. But, really, revenge is more a sign of weakness than of strength.
I think one of the greatest examples of not taking revenge is the leadership of Nelson Mandela in South Africa after the end of apartheid. I mean, the guy spent twenty-seven years in prison – if anyone was entitled to revenge …
But instead, he went for reconciliation – which makes him one of the most revered world leaders, certainly in my lifetime.
Here’s Jesus’ take on revenge:
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 evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. (Matthew 5:38-41)
What’s that all about? Why did Jesus say that back then? Why is He bringing it up with us again today?
The Bible tells us not just that God loves us, but that God is love. His very nature, His very substance, is love. And love never gives up. Love, at it’s heart, wants to draw close and when you love a sinner, an imperfect person, someone who’s turned against you, someone who’s hurt you – when you love that sort of person, it’s always going to cost you something.
What Jesus is talking about here is that sort of love. Proactive love. Love that steps forward in an instant, and demonstrates how much it cares, how quickly and deeply it forgives, by turning the other cheek and going the extra mile.
Now that … that’s what I call a sign of strength. Revenge is the easy way out. But instant, proactive, demonstrable, practical forgiveness … now that’s a Jesus thing.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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