It is common to quote this Scripture as a means to justify revenge against someone who has brought harm. The instruction mentioned above is also mentioned in Leviticus 24: 20,22; and Deuteronomy 19: 21 as part of the Mosaic Law. It is important that we recognize the who, when, and for what reason these instructions were given by God. The common mistake among most people for these verses has been taken out of context for an individual to declare their right to be spiteful and get even for a supposed wrong.
This may be the case for those offended, but the truth is that this is actually a set of instructions for the magistrates and leadership during the time of Moses’ influence to resolve cases of wrongdoing. It not only applies for humans. It applies to animals that have injured humans. It applies to people who get in a fist fight. It takes into consideration whatever happens between people and animals that causes some type of harm. Sometimes there is no repercussion. Sometimes the repercussion extends all the way to death for the perpetrator. This is an example of how we must be careful when we take Scripture out of context.
Matthew chapter 5 is a lengthy chapter and is very interesting. Contained in it is what we call the Beatitudes which is an outline for how the kingdom of God should function on earth. Of particular attention in this discussion is Jesus responding to the Old Testament Scriptures. He mentioned Racca or verbal assassination as an attack against another person’s character. He also gave instructions for what to do when there is animosity between two men. Jesus forbids religious practice while a person’s heart is not right with God. He said stop what you’re doing and make things right with God and the other person. Then we are to return to our religious practice and worship. Difficulty between people cannot and should not be the incentive to not go to church and worship any longer.
No matter how a person my want to interpret certain Scriptures, the lesson here is that a Christian cannot hold revenge or grudges against someone else. It is unseemly for their spiritual profession. It does harm to the one holding the grudge. It does harm to the reputation of the person holding the grudge. It does harm to those who become aware of the problem. No matter how serious the problem is, reconciliation is expected by Christ. Yes, the offender may not ask for forgiveness. However, that is no reason to harm oneself spiritually by persistently, repeatedly rejecting the other person because of their inferior position in society and before God.
This consideration also extends to other Bible verses. God said that if we do not forgive, God will not forgive us our trespasses. (Matthew 18:35; Mark 11: 25, 26) lack of forgiveness, holding a grudge, and seeking revenge are unseemly for anyone who professes to be a Christian. In fact, the opposite is true as an indication of a genuine born-again Christian. Granted, any of us can fall into a slump or experience bad circumstances that cause us to hold back healthy relationships with another. Our prayer must be to help us through that difficult time so that we can rightly respond to the other person.
Striking words are mentioned in 1 John 4:21 that says, “And this commandment have we from him, he who loves God loves his brother also.” As a spiritual family the problem cannot be allowed to prolong itself. Healing comes from God as does his divine love permeate our spirits.
Christianity is not a declaration of goodness. It is a life well lived before God and man. Christianity is the joy of experiencing forgiveness and then sharing forgiveness to others. It has nothing to do with the common concept of being a good citizen, a moral person, or having ethics even though all of these should be included in the Christian’s life. Some people have a shadow of Christianity without applying the hard teachings of Christ that are so important.
It says in 1 Thessalonians 5:15, “see that none rendered evil for evil onto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men.” It also says in Ephesians 4:32, “And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.”
Christian Writer 