Revenge?
The other day I saw a commercial for a new series called "Revenge." The tag line for the series is something like "once you lose everything, someone has to pay." How many times have we thought about that when we've experienced unfairness in our lives? It could be as serious as a dear one dying or as mundane as being a sore loser (which I'll readily admit to; I'm working on that).
We know the Amish see it differently. Forgiveness, not revenge. But why? This is a strong theme in my next book, Faithful to Laura. For those who have read Treasuring Emma, you know that Laura was betrayed by Mark (who stole her money and her love) and at the end of the book, he also physically harmed her. She can't go back to Tennessee (at least that's what she thinks) and she can't move forward. She also can't keep living off of Leona and Emma's generosity. So instead of wallowing in self-pity, she focuses on one thing: revenge against Mark. It's what wakes her up in the morning, pushes her through the day, and allows her to sleep at night.
Sounds good, right? Healthy? Except Laura is not only going against the tenets of her faith, but also God's word. I won't spoil anymore of the story (which will be out next year) but even though revenge seems sweet in the beginning, what happens after that? Often we feel worse and cause more problems. Forgiveness, as hard as it is, can bring peace. Here's what scripture has to say about revenge:
"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:9
God understands our pain. He doesn't ignore those who have harmed us. But vengeance is his territory--He is the judge. Their judge. Our judge. Contrast this to what God says about forgiveness:
"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." Matt. 5:44
I don't know if I'll watch the "Revenge" series. I might catch a couple of episodes to see if they glorify revenge as the "right" thing to do. Or if they tell the truth, and show that revenge, in the long run, is never worth it.
'Til next time,
Kathleen
Boy , are you authors speaking to me this week!!! I needed this reminder. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. How true they are!
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I have seen the previews of this show...one of the last ones I saw said, "This is NOT a story of forgiveness." So I am definitely not going to watch this one. I am so thankful for forgiveness. Think I will spend time reading or writing when this show is on.
I look forward to reading FAITHFUL TO LAURA.
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I was raised on heavy doses of "vengence is mine sayeth the Lord". However, that same person was so surprised when I didn't want to "get even" with someone that had hurt me tremendously. It was, of course, my mother who had taught me and someone had hurt her "baby" and it was so hard for her to realize that vengence was not for us even then.
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Kathleen:
I saw the very same advertisement and thought the very same thing !! I like cringed when I saw it. I thought what a horrible message to send to the public. Vengence is mine sayeth the Lord. That is what I was always led to believe. All of these shows serve a purpose I guess... as they remind us of what Christians believe and try to live by each day and it is certainly not revenge.
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Loved your post. A reminder we need daily, even when our 'getting even' might only be withholding fellowship, it's a form of revenge, and wrong.
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Great article Kathleen....for sure I will not be watching this.....has to be something better on.....like DWTS
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Love this! i a cant wait tell this book comes out
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I am with you Kathleen . Vengeance is mine saith the Lord . It is not good to teach that vengeance is ok. I hope they do not do that on the show.
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no i will not watch this type of shows, there is already to much hate in this world with out having shows about. I will with read or play a card game
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I love this scripture. When my first husband decided he wanted a divorce (due to another woman) I was obviously hurt. I wanted revenge. My kids were part of a summer church camp and they learned a bible verse for each letter of the alphabet. One of my sons was, "Vengence is mine saith the Lord, I will repay." For weeks I prayed that prayer when my son said to me. "The teacher said God will get even for us but not if we don't pray for our enemy." Ouch. When we try to seek revenge then God can't work. Thank you for this post. I think the show you are discussing will send the wrong message.
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When I am mad and I mean really mad at someone enough that I want to take revenge I stop and wait. I own a house that I rent out. My last renters trashed the house to the point that no one could live in it. It has cost me money, pain and I even had a stroke. But never once did I think I have to get back at this person. I lost the house because I couldn't afford to fix the damage and my health is slowly coming back to me. But I still don't think I have to get revenge on my tenants. I gave that over to God. I will not lie and say it hasn't changed me forever, I am nowhere near as trusting as I use to be and I do have anger towards my tenant. God knows how I feel and that is what is important to me. I am a true believe in what comes around goes around because I have seen it happen many times. To want revenge is to turn your back on God. That I could not do.
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