[355 words]
I believe one of the hardest lessons for a child to learn growing up is not to return evil for evil. For example, when one child pushes another, the response is typically for the other child to push back in return. As a child growing up, I had an older sister I felt would do mean things to me. She would do things that would antagonize and aggravate me. When I would go to do something in return to her, I would always get in trouble. My mom would always punish me for getting payback on her for something she had done.
We often here the words “I will get you back” when someone has angered, embarrassed, or cheated us. It doesn’t matter the age of the person, as a human our first reaction seems to be to want to return evil for evil. When someone hits us, we want to hit back. When someone takes something, we want to take back. When someone lies, we want to lie and distrust in return. Human nature seems to counter what scripture says about payback.
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (Romans 12:17).
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those you persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).
God’s Word states we should not be repaying evil with evil. We should be repaying evil acts with acts of kindness and love. You may be saying, “But that is really hard to do!” I agree with you, but that is where Matthew 5:44 sheds some light. The key words being love and pray.
If we truly love those around us and we pray for them, it makes returning kind deeds to those doing evil much easier. Have you ever tried being mad at someone or doing something bad to someone after you have prayed for them? If you haven’t, then I challenge you to pray for them and see if that changes your feeling or attitude toward them. Returning goodness and love to those that harm, cheat, etc., is the Christ-like response. How are you responding?
Nick Pace
S. Green St. church of Christ
Glasgow, KY