Revenge may feel right and even seem justified, but it’s damaging to us and the people we love. When, as a child, I bore a grudge or was tempted to retaliate for some unfairness or injustice, my mother would say: “An enraged mother hen who throws her eggs at a hawk for snatching one of her chicks only hurts herself the second time.”
Getting even— i.e., retaliation, vengeance, tit-for-tat, “an eye for an eye”—is never even. It inflicts more pain upon us than upon those who have hurt us. Rather than bring closure, revenge keeps the wounds open and fresh, and inflicts new injuries.
Sir Francis Bacon said, “In taking revenge a man isn’t even with his enemy, he is only as low as they. But in passing over it he becomes superior, for it is a prince’s part to pardon.” “There’s no revenge so complete as forgiveness” (Josh Billings). And C.S. Lewis said: “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”
Have you been wronged or wounded? Defrauded or taken advantage of? Have you been slandered, and your good reputation ruined? Has anyone in any way so hurt you that you’re sorely tempted to retaliate or revenge?
Let go! The damage has already been done; the loss already been incurred; the injury, insult, and humiliation has already been suffered; and those painful words have already been hurled at you. Revenge cannot undo or compensate for the damage. Don’t get even for your hurt, get beyond it by forgiving. Let God deal with the one who has hurt you, if the person doesn’t repent.
Mother Hen, the enemy hawk has already inflicted damage by snatching your precious chick. There is nothing you can do to bring her back. Why inflict a second wound upon yourself, by throwing at the enemy your future yet unborn? Getting even is never even. It comes at a price of an additional injury. Just let go! (Romans 12:19-21; Matthew 5:43, 44; 1 Peter 2:21-23) —Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
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SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 