The Best Revenge Involves Forgiving

By Doug Clark

History’s greatest revolutionary told us we should refrain from vengeance, thus allowing cosmic justice to take its perfect course. He said this despite knowing it was quite natural for a wronged person to yearn for revenge.
He preached this counter-culture message of forgiveness despite the fact that, in his day, the Code of Hammurabi was an accepted morality concerning revenge. This ancient Eastern Code is where that “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” saying comes from. In fact, when the Revolutionary taught his followers, he quoted the Code, contrasting it to his code of love and forgiveness. “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,’” said the Revolutionary in his most famous speech. “But I tell you not to resist an evil person… do good to those who hate you.” This came as quite a shock to those adhering to the social and religious norm of his day. Such revolutionary teaching comes as a shock to the norms of every generation.

In fact, history reveals that revenge is the normal path taken by those wronged. The Romans beat up their enemies, often due to vengeful motives. Those on both sides of the Crusades went back and forth exacting revenge on each other for half a millennium. Israelis and Palestinians consistently seek revenge for the latest attacks each suffers at the other’s hand. Moreover, as we all know, America often, but not always, takes vengeance when it has been wronged. Don’t misunderstand. This is not to say that countries should not defend themselves when attacked. However, revenge is usually a strong, but wrong motive for war.

So, what might the Revolutionary say regarding the War on Terror? Certainly he would condemn Bin Laden, Hussein and others for murder. In addition, I suspect he would tell our leaders they must defend the peace of our land. However, he would probably have plenty of correction for America’s many over-indulgences and evils. He never allowed anyone to think they were perfect. No one ever is. No nation ever is. This is why revenge is so dangerous. “Live by the sword, die by the sword,” he warned.

The Revolutionary, a.k.a. Jesus, knew vengeance was necessary, but only when dealt perfectly. However, since no man is perfect, he made it clear that revenge was not something people should pursue. He left us with a great example while being crucified at the bequest of religious hypocrites. When it was suggested that he could call down angels to destroy those who were crucifying him, he did no such thing. Instead, he willingly died for the sins of everyone willing to accept his sacrificial death. The night before he was crucified, when one of his followers cut off the ear of one of Jesus’ captors, Jesus healed the ear and told Peter to put his sword away. Jesus’ revenge would come later and with patience.Just 40 years after his death, the Romans destroyed the great temple the religious leaders revered and put an end to their beloved sacrificial system and the ritualistic religious system, which had given them their riches and control over the multitude.

Essentially, by demanding Jesus’ death, the religious hypocrites sealed their doom. They lost their temple and their religion, since, according to their religious rules, they could only sacrifice in the temple. They had reaped what they had sown. Go to Jerusalem today and you will not find a single intact section of the wall of that once magnificent temple. In fact, the Muslim Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque stand where that temple once stood.

Perfect justice came because Jesus was content to allow cosmic revenge to take its course. He should be our example too, when we are wronged and craving justice. One of Jesus’ followers, after having undergone much persecution, encourages those craving justice with these words: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place for wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord,” wrote the Apostle Paul. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21, New King James Version of the Bible)

Therefore, when our soul aches for revenge, we must fight the urge to take justice into our own hands and allow for God’s perfect justice. In deed, we must return evil with kindness, love and mercy. By this, we leave room for the Everlasting to exact perfect justice while opening ourselves up to the mercy of a loving God who only forgives those who forgive.

*Please note the author’s careful use of the words “religious hypocrites.” This was deliberate, lest anyone think he blames Jews for the death of Jesus Christ. Only a handful of hypocritical religious leaders and Roman officials were involved in the crucifixion. The vast majority of Jews and Romans had nothing to do with the crucifixion. In fact, most of Jesus’ early followers were Jews. Many Jews follow him today. After all, Jesus was a Jewish rabbi.
** Doug Clark can be reached at clarkimc@bellsouth.net. He welcomes your response.