Proverbs 20:22
What is the normal response when we have been wronged? Recognition turns into anger and anger morphs into plotting revenge. We become obsessed with it - from planning how to exact the perfect revenge, anticipating their response and projecting how satisfied we will feel with their downfall. Sounds familiar, right? Not according to Solomon.
Solomon encourages us to wait on the Lord and we will be saved. I have often imagined the powerful hand of God swooping in out of nowhere to smack my nemesis senseless when wrongfully accuses me of wrong-doing. Or perhaps a flame will erupt in her hair as she knowingly cheats you of your hard-earned money? Sounds like a sensational saving by our Savior - right? Plus, with His miraculous intervention, we can witness to others of His omnipotence at the expense of our enemy! What a wonderful twofer!
Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have not been blessed with such a saving by my Savior. But I have come to recognize that the saving may not be in the form of protecting me from evil doers as much as protecting me from sinning! When I try to exact revenge upon my enemy, I rarely (or never) have a Christian approach to it! It is just too personal to get God involved!!
Jesus's approach was a little different (Matthew 5:43-48). He didn't support getting even, rather He directs us to take the high road and love them. Love them? Yep. I have followed His guidance (on occasions) and shown love vice revenge. While it is difficult to do, it is entertaining to see the bewilderment of the individual when he realizes you are showering him with love vice revenge. No matter how many times he tries to hurt you, when you respond with love you confuse your enemy until he finally realizes he is not dealing with an ordinary foe. Indeed he is dealing with one saved by the Lord!
Isn't it only fitting, that we who have been shown love by the One we previously hated and rejected demonstrate it to others? Jesus waits patiently and with love until we overcome our bewilderment and surrender to Him. What a better revenge to show our enemies than the example shown by our Saviour to us?
