Get Even Or Get Ahead

We hear this everyday piece of advice:

Time wasted in getting even can never be used in getting ahead.

And the Bible clearly tells us:

Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people. 

1 Thessalonians 5:15

We feel hurt and violated when another’s unkind words or actions take away our dignity and leave us scarred and in need of healing. We want an admission of guilt for the harm done to us.  We want them to make amends.  If they don’t, we often find that something arises within us and makes us want to “get even.” 

While we may think we will feel better if we shout back at a person who has shouted at us, or retaliated by bringing shame or harm to someone for what they have done, research tells us we’re not better off even as soon as five or fifteen minutes later. 

We violate our own soul and our own standards of right and wrong when we speak and behave badly in pursuing revenge.  God has a better plan. 

Don’t do wrong to anyone to pay them back for doing wrong to you. Or don’t insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you. But ask God to bless them. Do this because you yourselves were chosen to receive a blessing. 

1 Peter 3:9

A gentle answer makes anger disappear, but a rough answer makes it grow.

Proverbs 15:1

Heavenly Father, We know that the bottom line is that each of us has done many wrong things over the course of our lives, and often even in the past few days.  We come to You, God and seek Your forgiveness for what we have done, and we should. 

But today we also want to recognize Your truth and agree with You, God, that forgiveness for our wrongs is tied to our willingness to forgive others for the wrongs they have done.

Help us to not waste time trying to get even and instead co-operate with You, God, receive Your peace and move on. 

While it is hard to not seek revenge when we have been wronged, we lay this desire to “get even” aside and ask You to fill our hearts with the higher good of blessing others.  Amen

It's a great day to heed God's advice and the voice of many generations when they tell us, "Time wasted in getting even can never be used in getting ahead."