“Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.”
This is literally the opposite of what Jesus tells us is the summary of the law and prophets. The big difference is that Jesus instructs us to do “as you would have them do” not pay them back for what they did do. Revenge may be one of the most unattractive motives the world offers. It is the basis for a good crime novel or movie but is awful in real life. The saying revenge is a dish best served cold first appeared in English in the translation of Eugène Sue’s novel Memoirs of Matilda in 1846. It is probably better remembered from The Godfather or Star Trek. It means that waiting some time and carefully plotting out the act of revenge is more enjoyable than reacting in the heat of the moment. Again, that may play out well in weaving a good mystery or crime novel but it is an awful way to live. Carrying and pondering a hurtful act and the subsequent revenge damages the soul and rots the heart of the revenge seeker. Quick forgiveness and, where possible, reconciliation brings healing and growth. That is part of the reason Jesus encourages, actually demands, responding in the way we would like to be treated. Only a masochist wants more pain in their story. Today look for ways to bless and love. #BeTheEdge
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Jesus
