Getting even

It is a natural instinct for us to take revenge, get even with and pay back those who hurt, offend or mistreat us.  A strong desire for justice and sense of not letting them get away with it can overwhelm us to the point of responding in an irrational and exaggerated way.  The desire for revenge and punishment is all consuming and can actually cause us more harm because it prevents us from enjoying life. Jesus’ instruction to love our enemies seems to be in direct contrast to what feels normal and right.  Many misinterpret his instruction as encouraging passivity and see it as letting others walk all over us.  In fact Jesus’ instruction is a call to action.  His is a call to action which takes the greatest determination, the boldest courage and the most powerful strength that one could ever muster.  In fact, it often calls for supernatural intervention because the pain, the hurt and the fear is too great for our mortal selves to even think of responding the way Jesus wants us to.  The overwhelming sense of peace, accomplishment and joy that comes from obedience is far greater and more fulfilling than any revenge could ever be.