The Old Testament of the Bible is one that is often taken at face value, but many of the concepts in it were revisited in the New Testament.
In many cases, the new information directly contradicts the information in the Old Testament.
One instance of this is the saying “an eye for an eye,” which is often used as a way to justify revenge.
What is the Contradiction?
In the Old Testament, the Book of Exodus is filled with laws that helped to keep the people in order. There weren’t municipalities like we know today, so there often weren’t hard and fast rules to help keep citizens in order.
One section, Exodus 21:12-27 contains clauses about acts of violence. While these were intended to keep violence down, we can now count on the court system and God to handle the matters. This is the passage that is often quoted regarding revenge:
Exodus 21:23-25:
23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
It is easy to misinterpret this passage as meaning that individuals should react in an equal manner to the actions of others. If you take the time to read around this passage, you will see one important point.
This section in the Bible is giving guidelines for judicial penalties. It isn’t an expectation of what should be done. Instead, it is a limitation on what the judges were allowed to do.
For example, if someone struck a person and damaged their eye, the person who attacked the other person can’t be put to death.
The contradiction of this statement comes when Jesus presented the Sermon on the Mount. The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5 covers this commonly quoted speech. In verses 38 and 39, Jesus notes, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But, I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
This provides a very different look at what Christians are supposed to do when confronted with these situations. Interestingly, these verses don’t have to do only with actual physical violence. Instead, they are applicable to many situations.
Putting it in God’s Hands
Human nature would lead a person to seek revenge on someone who has done them wrong. The anger, frustration, and hurt can all combine in a way that makes it difficult to remain calm and handle things in a mature manner. In order for a Christian to take care of these matters in an appropriate manner, you have to dig deeper into the Bible.
God promises that he is going to care for his followers. Looking at the Old Testament is where you can find one of the most important promises to remember in these times. Deuteronomy 32:35 says, “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.”
This promise notes that God will handle things in His time. You might not see the results of this promise right away, but you can count on the fact that it will happen. God doesn’t lie, so you should be able to put your own feelings and reactions aside and trust in Him.
You Control Your Reactions
God has given all humans the freedom of choice. It is up to each person how they use that freedom. In the New Testament, we are reminded that we must do what is best for ourselves and everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 specifically says that nobody should repay evil with evil.
“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”
In this one verse, you have a clear-cut instruction for handling situations where people are trying to do ill will to you.
This concept is reinforced by Romans 12:19, which notes, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” When you try to exact revenge, you are taking God’s place. You aren’t letting Him do what He needs to do about the situation.
Proverbs take it a step beyond that. In Proverbs 20:22, you will read “Do not say, “I will recompense evil;” Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.” If you notice, this passage flips the reaction to the revenge action on you. It reminds you that God will save you if you make the conscious decision not to try to take revenge on a person.
When you allow a person’s actions to dictate your response, you are giving them control over your life. You are handing them the free will that God gave you. Even if this happens, you are still ultimately responsible for your actions. God isn’t going to hold them accountable for the way you reacted. He will only hold them accountable for what they did.
You Have Alternatives
You have two options that you can use when someone does something wrong to you. The first of these is to pray about the situation. Don’t pray for God to change that person. Instead, ask God to help you with your side of the matter.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 offers guidance in this matter. It says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” That is a set of three things that is specifically outlined as God’s will for Christians. When you decide to pray instead of reacting, you are putting God in control of the outcome.
Besides praying, you also need to forgive the person who did you wrong. Jesus made this abundantly clear in the Gospel of Matthew 18:21-22. That passage says, “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Forgiveness isn’t about letting the other person get away with what they did to you. Instead, it is a way that you can improve your own mental state. Holding on to anger enables the other person to have control over you, which isn’t ever a good thing. Be sure to forgive them so that you can reclaim control of your life.
Forgiving Isn’t Always Easy
In order to forgive others, you have to look at the Golden Rule. Matthew 7:12 says, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” If you don’t want other people to hold your actions against you, it isn’t appropriate for you to hold their actions against them. Remembering that everyone walking this Earth is only human might help you in this regard.
To be clear, forgiving someone doesn’t mean that you are letting them get away with their atrocious behavior. It doesn’t mean that you are going to let them continue to treat you poorly. It doesn’t mean that you have to forget about what they did.
Instead, it means acknowledging that you are hurt or angry by what they did and making the conscious decision to let God handle it. It means letting go of the temptation to hold it against them in the future. If it is safe to do so, contact the person to express your forgiveness. Sometimes, this gives you the closure you need to let go of what happened.
You can’t put conditions on the forgiveness because Jesus says to forgive unconditionally. In Luke 6:28, you can see just how far forgiveness and prayer should go with those who do you wrong. “Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”
Blessing, in this case, doesn’t have to do with giving them anything other than forgiveness and offering prayer. Think about all the times God has forgiven you for your misdeeds. Even though you haven’t always been perfect, He continues to keep you alive and provide you with grace.
There is a good chance that you won’t be able to return to a relationship with the person. If this happens, take a moment to add the person to your prayer list. Ask God to help them in all aspects of their life. Ask God to help you deal with the changes that have come in your life.
The Bottom Line
No matter what you are going through, God’s grace and love will help you through it all. If you are done wrong by anyone, don’t allow the devil to push you toward the temptation of revenge. Hand it all over to God and let Him have His way in the situation.
Common Misconceptions About the Bible: