To retaliate or not to retaliate, that is the question

One of the hardest things to do (and yet one of the clearest signs that we're a child of God) is non-retaliation.

I don't know about you but when someone wrongs me in word or deed, while outwardly I may keep my composure, I often don't do so well internally. I mull over the injustice. I say a few 'how dare they"s. I sometimes even find some satisfaction in watching to see if God punishes them while I look on.

Now, I want to become more like Jesus. While God is giving me victory in this area, I still haven't arrived ... not by a long shot. I'm just being transparent. I also suspect that my inner turmoil is pretty common.

Well, in my Bible reading this morning, I came across the principle again. The Lord reminded me again that it's not my job to deal with wrongs. It's His. If the wrong is illegal, it's the government's job to deal with wrongs.

1 Peter 2:13-14 (New Living Translation)

"For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority - whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right."

Yet, a follower of God must never retaliate. It's not our job to pay people back no matter what they've done to us.

In my reading this morning, it was even noted that when we are wronged and don't retaliate, God notices and in some way will reward us on the Day in which Jesus judges the world. (The particular audience was slaves but the general principle remains.)

1 Peter 2:18-23 (New Living Translation)

"You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you - not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly."

When you are wronged today, remember that God is watching. If you respond in retaliation in some way, more than likely your response will not be fair or appropriate and God will not be pleased. But, if you leave the situation up to God who will respond appropriately, you'll see Him smiling at your response and setting aside another reward that you will receive on the Day of Judgment.