Happy Friday!
Today, we’re continuing our series, Six Ways to Think Like Jesus, with the topic of revenge.
Refer to week one’s post for additional introduction information about the series.
Revenge:
Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:38-42 that it is not enough to seek justice for ourselves, that we should show mercy and love to others.
People in Jesus’ day were using the phrase, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth,” (which Jesus quotes in verse 38) to carry out personal vendettas. But this law was given to judges to make the punishment fit the crime. Jesus isn’t making any alterations to the true meaning of the law here, but is further explaining it and affirming its true meaning. This teaching is especially hard. In our flesh, we want to right our own wrongs and get even, but Jesus teaches that we should do good to those who wrong us! Our desire shouldn’t be to keep score but to love and forgive. This is not a natural conclusion. It’s a supernatural strength that only God can give us! He works in and through us to love others, even those who have hurt us.
Romans 12:14 says it well, “Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them.”
And later in verse 17, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”
And verse 19, “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.’”
Revenge is out of our hands. Our heavenly Father sees it all and He says, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.” We can find peace knowing He is never taken by surprise and even the hairs on our head are numbered. He promises to give us the grace we need (2 Corinthians 9:8), and He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
What stands out to you most from Jesus’ teachings?
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