“An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”
We’ve all heard this age old law of retaliation. It promotes a spirit of evening the score as an effort to make right where you’ve been wronged. It’s undeniable that the flesh wants to return to default mode and resort to gossip, slander, and retaliation rather than grace, forgiveness and reconciliation. And while fighting fire with fire is a far more accessible tactical tool, overcoming sin with truth yields a far better return.Scripture is clear in Romans the manner in which God receives the most glory and how we should act out of a wounded spirit.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” -Romans 12:17-19 (NIV)
What I love about this truth is that the pointing finger is removed from the accused party and placed on the hurting heart. It beckons greater accountability to act out of a heart striving for peace as much as you are able. It doesn’t say meet in the middle or treat as you’ve been treated. Rather, it urges us to make the gracious effort to extend peace to the furthest extent of our very own means. And while there is no guarantee to be met by the other with the same dose of grace, God still promises justice.When we are wronged, we can remove the weapons from our own defensive hands and lay them at the feet of a God who will assuredly right the wrong. When it feels like turning the cheek is only resulting in strike after strike of defeat and discouragement, trust that a response prompted by grace and love will only please the Lord more!Rest assured that the very God who delights in your obedience is fighting your battles with promises of vengeance, victory and peace well on the way!
About the Author
Bryanna Irvin
Bryanna is an infectiously extroverted 26-year-old born and raised Arkansas gal with a knack for conversation and heart chats. She is married to her college sweetheart, Blake, but falling more in love each day with her newest heartthrob: baby boy Emmett who is due this October. Her passion is for cultivating relationships new and old with hopes of sharing any inkling of the joy, peace and purpose she herself has found through her relationship with Jesus Christ. Though she’d gladly hop on the first flight to Haiti and never look back, God has so assuredly called her to use her gifts and passions to minister to young and college aged women through her position as a retail store manager.
When she isn’t working or maneuvering her social calendar, Bryanna can undoubtedly be found cuddled up in her Jonesboro home with her five, yes five, fur babies, a pepperoni pizza and “Friends” reruns on loop!
