“They can’t do that to me! I will show them!” How often have we uttered these words, or sentiments like them? How often have we allowed the anger within us to spill out, so that we exact revenge? A car dangerously cuts us off on the highway and the verbal venom comes out. A business doesn’t deliver the products or services that we expect and we threaten retaliation. These feelings come so easily.
Let me tell you a story. He was sent by his father to a place where the father had done much work and the people seemed to like him. However, when the son arrived in the land, the people viewed him with suspect. His words called for greater love and respect for the father. The son did many good things for the people but they still didn’t trust him. Eventually they became angry with the son and made false accusations against him. They took the son to court and arranged for him to be killed, although he had done no wrong. As he was dying, the son looked upon his murderers and said, “Father, forgive them.”
Of course, this is my pathetic attempt to tell the story of Jesus. The very people He came to serve, killed Him. These were the ones whom the Father had blessed and loved through the ages. Even while dying, Jesus forgave them. You and I are not innocent in this story. We are among the crowd who caused His death. For it was for our sins that He died. His blood was spent so that we may be forgiven.
The world has never seen such great mercy in anyone or at any other time. To those who are the benefactors of this mercy, giving mercy to those who may harm us is not an option. Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Rather than exacting revenge, forgive and be merciful. But first receive the mercy that God has for you through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
Reluctant Retiree 