Revenge. Who hasn’t thought about it or taken steps to get even? Maybe your neighbor’s dog has become your lawn’s arch-enemy. Rush hour honking, tailgating and dirty looks—you can hang with the best of them. That one person who crushed your child’s spirit. What thoughts of retribution did you spin, Mama Bear?
What if we paused before we considered punishing others? What if we dared to pray for them instead of rushing to judgment? Wouldn’t it be crazy if we chose to love rather than take up wrath? To have healing conversations instead of harmful arguments?
The Bible is clear when it comes to this very thing. It’s also transparent that even Jesus had His limits. After all, He was human too. His moment with the vendors in his Father’s House shows that He understands wanting justice. Jesus knows what it’s like to have thin patience with those you love most. Remember, He wasn’t happy the disciples woke Him up to calm the stormy seas. Yet here’s the difference, friend: Your need for resolution is one thing, yet vengeance is God’s to handle.
There’s a difference between speaking up for yourself or the voiceless and purposely using your words to hurt others. When you want to post that rant on social media, lean into the fruit of the Spirit instead. When you want to fire off an angry text, take a breath. Nothing good comes from reacting in anger.
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