Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me;
I’ll pay them back for what they did.”
What is your first reaction when someone does something to you that you do not like? If you are anything like me, your immediate reaction is probably negative. And likely includes some thought of paying them back in kind. That seems to be an inborn part of our human nature.
But this proverb tells us not to respond in kind. Not to make plans to pay them back for what they did. We are not told here how we should react instead. But Jesus makes it clear how we should respond. In Luke 6:27-28, he tells us to “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” And Paul tells us the same thing in Romans 12:14: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” That is so contrary to my nature. Yet, it is what I am called to do.
Responding like that can go a long way toward resolving conflict between people. And it will have a positive impact on the testimony of my life. But, most of all, it allows me to walk closer to my Lord, following the example he set for me.
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