PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
THE BELIEVER AND
REVENGE
DEVOTIONAL
TEXT: MATT. 5:38-39
Introduction:
The Lord Jesus Christ in His infinite wisdom shows in the Holy
Scripture the futility of revenge in the administration of Moses, in the Old
Testament era, and accordingly cites that the way forward for the believer, is
the way of “no revenge”, when
misgivings show-up. According to the EN English Dictionary, revenge is “any
form of personal retaliatory action against an individual, institution or group
for some perceived harm or injustice”. To Moses and his Old Testament
stipulations, the said retaliatory action is most welcome, but Jesus in the
Dispensation of Grace, says “no”, (Matt.
5:38-39). Based on this, the believer of today is hereby enjoined to take
advantage of the grace of God, to enable him live above retaliatory tendency.
GENERAL
REMARKS
(1) Jesus may
have stopped the “law of revenge” because of its inability to solve man’s
social problem, (Matt.5:38-39)
(2) He may have
introduced the “grace of no revenge”, because it paves way for forgiveness and
reconciliation, (vs. 39)
(3) Jesus may
have, equally, considered the abolition
of the “law of revenge” because it is a two-side destroyer,(vs. 38)
(4 ) He may have,
on the other hand, brought to focus, the “grace of no revenge” because of its
ability to reduce human social problems,(vs. 39)
THE “LAW OF
REVENGE” AND UNFORGIVENESS
No doubt, unforgiveness is the major sponsor of revenge. In fact,
a retaliatory action is a strong indication of one’s inability to forgive. But,
the believer should note that, “to err is human, but to forgive is divine”, and
so, one who exhibits the sword of revenge is not in tone with the precept of
the Christian faith. Thus, Jesus says, “you have heard that it had been said,
“an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth”. But, I say unto you, “do not
revenge”… (Matt. 5:38-39), which implies that one who is offended should
forgive, as well as be willing to pay necessary prices for peace and brotherly
love to reign. So, the believer should
learn to:
(i) forgive
instead of revenge, (vs. 38-39)
(ii) understand
that one receives forgiveness from the Lord, only when one forgives others,
(Matt 6:14-15)
(iii) know that
rewarding evil with evil is not a tenet of the Christian faith, (Rom. 12:21)
THE “LAW OF
REVENGE” AND SOCIAL UPHEAVAL
Revenge breeds violent disturbance in society. Truly speaking,
every misgiving carries some level of tension in society, but tensions are
heightened when the option of revenge is taken, instead of seeking ways of
resolving a problem. Here, the believer is reminded that he is a peace-maker
(Matt 5:9), and not an instigator of violence, and so, should seek peace in
every misgiving, instead of revenge, (Matt 5:39). This implies further that the
believer should not allow self to be instrument of violent attacks or reprisal
attacks in society, but should learn to live peacefully with all men, (Heb
12:14). In this connection, therefore, every believer is enjoined to always:
(i) seek peace
and pursue it, (Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:8-11)
(ii) shun revenge
and embrace brotherly love, (Rom. 12:10)
(iii) reconcile
instead of retaliation, (2 Sam. 3:21; Matt.5:39)
THE “GRACE
OF NO REVENGE” AND LIVING TOGETHER
“Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity”( Psalm 133:1) remains a Scripture that expresses the mind of God for
people to live without misgivings and revenge, and further implies that God’s
desire for the people is a no attacks, no revenge society, (Matt.5:39). But,
both intra-community and inter- community clashes/attacks and reprisal attacks
witnessed everywhere in the world show that humanity is online with the devil,
whose mission is to steal, kill and destroy, (John 10:9). To this end,
therefore, the believer is called upon to exercise restraint and avoid being
part of the clashes that lead to revenge in society, and so, he should learn to
promote:
(i)
what make people live together as brothers and sisters in society,
(Psalm 133:1)
(ii)
things that make for peaceful co-existence in the community where
he lives, (Heb.12:14)
(iii)
the ideals of no attacks, no revenge, wherever he finds himself,
(Matt 5:38-39)
In
conclusion,
the believer should know in concrete terms that he is an ambassador of Christ
(11 cor.5:20), who is said to be the
Prince of Peace, and that there is no better way of representing Him except by
doing what His Word says. MAY THE LORD
HELP YOU TO LIVE A LIFE OF NO REVENGE, AMEN!
TH
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