Resisting Retaliation

Have you ever felt like getting even with someone? Have you ever just wanted to settle the score with someone who deserved it?

If we are honest with ourselves we have all felt this way at one time or another.
You know the feeling because it comes when
A co-worker steals your best ideas and takes the credit for them
Your spouse gives you the frozen beef treatment cold shoulder
A crazy driver cuts you off on the way to work and then has the nerve to slow down.
The critic who sees everything you do painted with negative brushstrokes
The boss who calls you to the carpet for no good reason
The gossip who can't wait to share the juicy tidbit about you

The sad fact is that we live in a "get even" world and often adopt a "get even" mind set. We sometimes do more than just want to get back at those who wrong us, we actually do it and we "punch" them. We would never actually hit someone but we do things that hurt just as bad as a punch to the gut.

We tear others down with the words that we use
We lash out with false accusations about things that others have supposedly done
We look at people to find nothing but the worst in them and then share it with others
We search for little ways to get under their skin just to be an annoyance

If you have ever crossed that line from wanting to get even to "getting even"; you've seen the reality. Getting even never brings any true satisfaction. Getting even is the world's way of doing things, so what is the Jesus wants us to do things?

38 "You have heard that it was said, `Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-42