Pieter van der Heyden, "Anger" National Gallery of Art, Public Domain - NGA Image
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and
hate your enemy. But I say, love your
enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children
of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45, NLT)
Revenge may seem sweet for a moment but the harm is immense
and demons of destruction released are not content with measured amounts of
justice. The chaos and damage can engulf
the taker of revenge and the receiver of revenge. Even the strong can be
crushed and bitterness and misery can come like a flood in haunting and
unrelenting ways. The revenge which seems
so sweet at the moment can extract unforeseen costs and leave a desolate landscape
and legacy of torment and pain which can last for a long time. In the lives of individuals and in the scope
of nations; revenge seldom leaves a pretty picture.
Yet, something incredibly miraculous happens when we venture
around the corner of intending upon inflicting revenge on someone and turn to
walk on the street of praying for our enemies. Slowly the desire to damage
someone is remade by the regeneration of the Holy Spirit into love. It is a hard walk to the corner as we let go
of human nature but the view after the turn, unto the street of grace brings us
face to face with God as He release His blessing into our life. It is the truth, Jesus desired we find, as our hearts are
purified. “Blessed are the pure in
heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8, ESV). As the forgiveness of Christ liberates us from
the prison of sin; forgiving others with the forgiveness of Christ frees us to experience
His grace midst great joy.
Forgiving another is also the only way; others can connect
the gift of the forgiveness of Christ available to them with the living Christ
residing in you. Around the corner of
revenge is the street of grace and it is a wonderful pathway to God’s greatest
blessings. Turn the corner away from
revenge and experience the freedom you will find as you walk on the street of
forgiveness and grace. You may be
surprised, but then again God is full of surprises because He does more than we
can dream or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
From the Ancient Church …
“If you are remembering evil against someone, then pray for
him; and as you remove through prayer the pain of the remembrance of the evil
he has done, you will stop the advance of the passion. And when you have
attained brotherly love and love for mankind, you will completely cast this
passion out of your soul. Then when someone else does evil to you, be
affectionate and humble toward him, and treat him kindly, and you will deliver
him from this passion.” St. Maximus the
Confessor, Chapters on Love, 3.90 (580-662 C.E)
Suggested Reading … Matthew 5
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