Today’s Devotional: “Retaliation”

In 2021, I saw a powerful message at the remains of the World Trade Center. It was a Bible fused into a heart-shaped piece of steel.

Prominently displayed was a section of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount titled “Retaliation” (see attached photo).

It was Matthew 5:38-39, which says, “Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39)

Through this biblical artifact, we see how we are to respond when trying times test our souls, spirits, and resolve.

When we suffer, we are not to seek retribution or revenge. Instead, we are to seek their good and resist doing evil in return.

This is at the heart of God and the teaching of the Bible.

When James and John saw the Samaritans’ disrespect for Jesus, they asked Jesus to rain down the fire of God upon them. But Jesus responded, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9:55-56)

The Apostle Paul told the church in Rome to bless those who persecuted them, saying, “Repay no one evil for evil … Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:14-21)

But our ultimate example was given by Jesus on the cross. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

I know it’s hard because we want retribution, not reconciliation, vengeance taken, not mercy extended. But the heart of God is that none perish, but that everyone come into everlasting life in heaven.