Monday, June 8, 2009
Revenge vs. Forgiveness
Matthew 5:38-42 talks about not taking revenge on others. Our Sunday school class talked about this yesterday, and I thought it was pretty cool that it was in today's scripture reading. These verses are a reminder that we shouldn't harbor anger and then take revenge on someone who wrongs us. We need to forgive them, even when it's really tough. If we ask, God will help us to forgive.
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Our world is so oriented toward getting even. How many bitter people would be happier if the weren't trying to get revenge for being wronged? Many wars throughout history are a result of revenge. So hard not to want to inflict some pain when we have been hurt. Yet, revenge never fulfills - only God can do that.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great to point out that this concept of "revenge" is often a result of a bigger issue; that being pride. Too often we become angry because an expectation of ours wasn't fulfilled and the selfish motives begin to take form. Jesus wasn't only protecting others from the harm "revenge" can cause, but also helping us to protect ourselves. Pain is often the consequence of actions taken against one's own heart.
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