When I was about 6 years old, I suffered an embarrassment in Sunday School that I have obviously not forgotten. We kids were all standing in front of our rows of chairs, singing a song. At the end of the song, the teacher told us to sit down. As I lowered myself into my chair, the boy sitting behind me pulled the chair out from underneath me and I landed on the floor. Well, later, when the opportunity arose, I found myself sitting behind that same boy, and I, quite justifiably, I thought, did the same to him. I thought it was pretty just, but the Sunday School teacher didn’t think so. When I blurted out, “But he did the same thing to me first,” the teacher told me that what I did still was wrong. That embarrassment was worse than that of my initial landing on the floor. All I could think was, it wasn’t fair.
Sometime in junior high school I discovered a book by Alexander Dumas called The Count of Monte Cristo. I loved that book. Poor Edmund Dantes was wrongfully imprisoned because of a plot to steal his fiancée. After many years in prison, Dantes escaped and managed to return to his former country and right every wrong perpetrated on him. It was such a satisfying story! Justice was served and the bad guys got what they deserved.
Years later, I realized that the reason I liked the story so much was that Dantes was able to get revenge. But by this time, I was quite aware that revenge was not in the Christian’s job description. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:17-19, NIV).
Jesus took it farther and taught us that not only are we not to seek revenge, but we are to forgive. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15). God is serious about vengeance belonging to Him, and that we are to forgive others their sins against us!
Father, God, please help us let go of slights, insults, and injustices against us. Fill us with your love and enable us to forgive. Amen.
It’s so hard to simply forgive and walk away when someone hurts us. We need to learn to trust God with good things and bad. Thank you for the reminder of this important truth.
Amen it is a tough lesson but a lesson well learned for all!! Valencia
Woo, this one hits. Revenge has it’s own unique feeling of satisfaction. But you are so right, justice belongs to God. Thanks for this reminder.
It’s amazing how those moments so many years ago stay with us- I’ve had a few myself! God is so merciful to use life’s moments to teach and lead us to a better way. Thank you Marilyn for the reminder.
It’s such a tough lesson! Thanks for the reminder and your wisdom Marilyn! xo