I recently ran across a Web site that instructs you in ways to take revenge. Later, I was stunned to find many online sites that are dedicated to getting even. From “thepayback.com” to “makehimpay.net,” they feature stories and tips on how to get even with people who rub you the wrong way. The sites are obviously put together by folks who live by the saying, “I don’t get mad. I get even.”
If there was ever someone who had the chance to get even, it was Joseph. After his jealous older brothers sold him into slavery and staged his death (Genesis 37), they thought they were done with him. But that wasn’t the last time they would see the kid with the multicolored coat. Joseph eventually landed in Egypt, where his life took a number of divine twists and turns. In fact, by the time Joseph was just 30 years old, Pharaoh had put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt (41:41-43).
Joseph proved to be a wise ruler. During some good crop-growing years, he stored up huge quantities of food to get the people through the years of famine that were to come (vv.47-49). Later, during the famine years, Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to buy food. This presented a golden opportunity for him to get revenge. But rather than get even, Joseph showed mercy (50:15-22).
In the end, he demonstrated a level of forgiveness that could only be of God (ch.45). Joseph recognized that he was involved in something much larger than himself—something bigger than even his own mistreatment (v.5).
Have you been wronged by someone? Seek God instead of revenge. He can use hurtful things to bring about a larger good (45:7-8).
More:
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers (Matthew 5:11).
Next:
How have you seen God bring good out of something hurtful that happened to you? Why should revenge be left to God?
tim gustafson on June 7, 2010 at 8:39 am
For me, it’s so hard not to try to vindicate myself when I’m unjustly accused of something. I want immediate justice. But I’m coming to see that this attitude is just another demonstration of my ego problem … and God hates pride.
Revenge seems sweet … but it leaves a very bitter aftertaste.
anj1990 on June 7, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I strongly agree, also I thank god 4 sending this post to you! Since this April (especially this weekend), people on my job are constantly rubbing me the wrong way, even the customers sometimes. But instead of being rude back to them, God keeps telling me to show mercy towards them. I’m also reminded that since the world hates Christ, they also hate me. And because of things like this, it gives me encouragement to get through, not only on my job, but in my life as well. Again thank you for sharing this message :)!
jeff olson on June 7, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Your welcome Gina…and yes the longlasting taste of revenge is hardly sweet.
Showing mercy to someone doesn’t come naturally…I find I’m more inclined to show mercy the more I learn to have a heart for who that person could become if they God got a hold of their heart.
R R Kelkar on June 7, 2010 at 7:05 pm
“Vengeance is mine, says the Lord, I will repay.” Our God is not only a God of love, but also a God of justice. If we remember this, life can be greatly simplified. We just have do the love part and leave the revenge part to God. The success of non-violent movements led by great leaders has proved that God’s justice ultimately prevails.