TJP

According to CNN, on Thursday, December 31, 2009 a U.S. official vowed vengeance for the attack on a U.S. base in Afghanistan. Vengeance, however, is the major contributor in the cycle of violence and terror.

In Romans 12: 17-21 we are told ^“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 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. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Paul teaches us, in Romans, that revenge is evil and unacceptable in the eyes of the Lord. Furthermore, that our approach is to understand our adversaries needs and attempt to satisfy those needs. We achieve greater stability by resolving conflicts and reducing tensions than by using vengeful force.

For over eight years, revenge has motivated invasions in foreign lands with unsuccessful results and costly outlays. Revenge is also at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and many other conflicts throughout the world.

South Africa’s ANC applied reconciliation instead of revenge, avoiding the continuation of the vicious cycle of violence. Of course, reconciliation is not justice or equality of opportunities. Rather, it is a methodology to break the cycle of violence.

Many, however, on both side of the divide adhere to the belief that vengeance, wars and subjugation is the way to peace. Thus, they reject the Almighty and have become their own god of vengeance.

Beware of those that do what is contrary to the Word of God; they are not pursuing peace and should not be followed.

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