Revenge or Reconciliation

Years ago we were entertained with the “revenge of the Nerds”. George Lucas first introduced to “the empire strikes back” and later to the “revenge of the Sith”. Some philosophers and psychologist would argue that thoughts of revenge are often entertained by most people.

This may be true since a brief google search found websites like: payback.com where you can buy revenge such as wilted roses and melted chocolates; revengeguy.com where you can purchase t-shirts with “life is too short to not get even” slogans; revengelady.com where you can get “advice on using the ancient art of revenge to bring humor and happiness back to your life. Come rediscover this traditional code of honor”; and, if you still don’t have enough revenge you can visit revengeunlimited.com.

But is revenge really all it is cracked up to be? Reflect on these nuggets of wisdom.

“There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.” Josh Billings

“An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Mahatma Gandhi

“In taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior.” Sir Francis Bacon

And here is the quote that got me to thinking about revenge in the first place – "To triumph fully evil needs two victories, not one. The first victory happens when an evil deed is perpetrated; the second victory, when evil is returned. After the first victory, evil would die if the second victory did not infuse it with new life." Miroslav Volf

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Romans 12:19-20

No matter what happens to us or is done to us our response is our responsibility. The next time you are wronged will you seek revenge or reconciliation?