“Abner called to Joab, ‘Is the sword to keep devouring forever?  Do you not know that the end will be bitter?’”  2 Samuel 2:26

“Jesus said, ‘Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will die by the sword.’”  Matthew 26:52

The news rages of retaliation and revenge – places of war and gang violence; clan and tribal clashes; domestic abuse.  The “Hatfields and the McCoys” of old aren’t really old, and they’ve gone global.  I see a line between justice and revenge.  Justice implies accountability and consequences, with fairness.  Revenge is payback with intent to harm: “I’ll get you for that!”  “I’ll teach you a lesson!”

I don’t own a gun.  I’m not strong enough to swing a sword.  But the tongue is a two-edged sword … and I have one of those.  There is a need to have the last word. Statements are made to incite fear and mistrust, not because of what someone has done but because of where they come from and simply who they are, because they are seen as different.  Angry words divide families and friendships.  But the tongue also has power to heal.  “I’m sorry.”  “I forgive you.”; when we defend and speak well of our neighbor and put the best construction on everything as Martin Luther explained.

Imagine life if God had had enough and decided to “get even” with us.   God did come to “teach us a lesson” but that lesson is compassion and mercy witnessed through the life of Jesus Christ – Jesus, who talked with strangers, who said we should love others as we love ourselves, and forgive others as God has forgiven us.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon …….”  Amen

(St. Francis)

Verla Olson

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party