Stability in the Storm, final thoughts
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21
There is a lot to be said about this particular passage, but its central point is the declaration that revenge is forbidden, even in response to evil. This commandment, so clearly articulated by Paul, is one of the distinguishing marks of our faith—love your enemies; do not take revenge on them.
“But wait,” you might say, “this passage doesn’t revoke revenge, it just hands it over to God. Surely God wants to right wrongs and extract payback for evil acts.” And beyond that it would seem as if the acts of kindness prescribed here serve to inflict pain on one’s enemies by “heaping burning coals on their heads.” Taken at face value, it would seem that payback is still in play, but Paul deserves a little more consideration.
Revenge is a difficult temptation to resist when one feels they are a victim of injustice. It can seem logical, justified, and appropriate to see retribution as just deserts and a deterrent. And yet, when one gives into the desire for revenge, it becomes like an infection, spreading the contagion of division, hate, and violence. When Paul tells his reader to leave revenge to God, he inoculates the victim of evil from evil itself–denying it a means of spreading. The victim is then freed to commit themselves to acts of compassionate care—a healing and purifying elixir.
When we commit to the good we become a stabilizing force, grounding our families and communities in mercy and forgiveness. Goodness tamps down the energy of hate. And while it denies us the dubious satisfaction of revenge, it gives rise to the possibility of redemption. To have burning coals heaped upon one’s head is to suffer the stings of conscience. There are no guarantees in the work of redemption. And yet, nothing is as effective in redeeming a life, a community, a nation, and a world more than the weight and heat of conscience. There are many benefits to a life of faith. Most significant among them is that we can be a redeeming presence in the world. For this reason, I pray that we, as a community of faith, center our life together squarely on the good.
Blessings,
Pastor Jen
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