Paybacks
Revenge isn’t sweet; instead, it makes us sour. Studies have shown an association between negative emotions such as anger and revenge with a variety of destructive physical symptoms, including headaches, backaches, allergic disorders, ulcers, nausea, high blood pressure and heart attacks. Sadly, while vengeful people plot another’s demise, they themselves often develop a painful health problem. Paybacks have a way of paying us back.
Revenge is an outward manifestation of an underlying problem: anger. Anger left unchecked will deepen into bitter roots of resentment or jealousy. And when these unbiblical attitudes are full grown, the desire for revenge springs up. Revenge opposes the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). Instead of taking things into our own hands, this proverb encourages us to let go and let God deal with our enemies. Because God is just, those who are wicked will eventually get their “just desserts.”
Louis XII of France is said to have treated his enemies in an unexpected manner after ascending to the throne. Before coming to power, he had been cast into prison and kept in chains. Later when he did become king, he was urged to seek revenge on those who had opposed him, but he refused. Instead, he prepared a scroll on which he listed all who had perpetrated crimes against him. Behind every man’s name he placed a cross in red ink. When the guilty heard about this, they feared for their lives and fled. Then the king explained, “The cross which I drew beside each name was not a sign of punishment, but a pledge of forgiveness extended for the sake of the crucified Savior, who upon His cross forgave His enemies and prayed for them.”
Getting revenge may get us even with our enemies, but forgiveness places us above them. In fact, we are never more like God than when we turn the other cheek. In the Lord’s Prayer, the only petition that is conditional is forgiveness: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Why can we forego revenge and offer forgiveness? Because we have been forgiven by God. To issue payback is human, but to pardon is divine.
Reflection:
1. Have you been contemplating a payback? Are you experiencing any painful physical, emotional or spiritual consequences?
2. What are some of the things God has forgiven you for?
3. How does reviewing how you’ve been forgiven help you let go of revenge and let God handle the paybacks?
