Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Lou Yeboah
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— What’s wrong with you? Vengenance is mine saith the Lord! “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.” “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. [Matthew 5:28-38]
Yes, it is hard not to desire retaliation when someone has wronged you. It is hard to “let it go” and move on or “forgive and forget.” But you have Me [Jesus] as your example. When I was “reviled, I did not revile in return; when I suffered, I did not threaten” because I trusted completely in My Father, [God], who is the One that can righteously seek vengeance [1 Peter 2:23]. Therefore, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. And if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” [Romans 12:17-21]. No more Tic for Tac! Because violence that begets more violence will not eventually end in peace. It will ultimately end in full destruction of all parties involved.
So, the next time the serpent’s seed of revenge tries to implant itself in your soul, rebuke it in My name J[esus’] and pray for the one who is persecuting you. It will be healing to your soul, a balm to your heart, and a light to the world. No more Tic for Tac! Vengenance is Mine!
