“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable” (Romans 12:17).

It is not uncommon these days for many folks to take umbrage with decisions, statements, or actions which they feel have created a sense of unfairness directed toward them, regardless of intention. We have become a litigious society where ‘payback time’ is frequently used as its main operating principle. Political protests have become common and can surface anywhere, from delay tactics in our legislatures to incited acts of violence in the streets of our communities.  In our large cities, gang warfare is prevalent and has resulted in widespread loss of life over turf issues. And although those situations may seem far-reaching for many, it may not be so unusual for us to become involved in social media posts which may end up slandering or destroying another individual’s reputation simply to ‘get even.’ The Greek philosopher Epictetus is credited as having once stated: “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” We all might be better off if we would learn to pause longer and think more deliberately before we act.

Recently, I watched a TV program where one of the recurring characters was closing his place of business for the day when a perfect stranger walked in. The stranger was poorly dressed and seemed uneasy. My guard went up, as did that of the fictional proprietor when he asked what the individual wanted.  The stranger said that he needed a few hundred dollars to buy a suit because he had a job offer and desired to make a good impression. When the owner tells the man to leave, the viewer anticipates that at any time this situation is going to turn into a robbery. Instead, the man thanked the manager who had refused him money, and he turned to exit. Then, out of compassion, the businessman reached into the cash drawer and pulled out two hundred dollars.  Later, after hearing what he had done, his partners in the business relentlessly made fun of their colleague stating that the supposed loan was “money he would never see again.” Nearing the end of the program – the man walks back into the establishment, this time well-dressed, and repays the borrowed money. The moral of the story is to believe in your fellow man, but we know all-too-well that this type of fairy-tale ending often plays out very differently in real life.

The principle of “An eye for an eye” (sometimes referred to as the law of retaliation) is part of the Law of Moses used in the Israelites’ justice system. It was intended to be a guide for judges and was never used to settle grievances personally. However, in Jesus day – the Pharisees and scribes were applying it to everyday relationships, in fact teaching that personal revenge was acceptable. Enter Jesus who says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:38-42).  Jesus intent was not to nullify that established governments have the right to punish those who have committed crimes but rather to state that we be personally led by the concept of forgiveness.  He continued: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).

We who follow Christ are challenged to be different from those who follow the natural inclination to respond in kind.  The world says, “If someone punches you – punch him back.” But one of Jesus’ Chosen stated just the opposite: “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it” (1 Peter 3:9). There is no ‘getting even’ in instigating harm against one who has caused you harm. ‘Evenness’ will occur only when we allow God’s love to take its place. That’s a payback for all of eternity.

REFLECTION: Can you think of a time when you paid back hurt for hurt, evil for evil?  How did it make you feel?  Were you an effective witness for Christ when you did so?  Will you ponder a different response when the next opportunity presents itself?  Will you consider praying for others who oppress you this day?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., FEBRUARY 25, 2017.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.