Revenge is not the solution

It is probably safe to say that most fighting could be avoided if people would reject the thought of revenge. To do so is far from easy. Yet revenge is a mengal poison that can kill whatever hopes of peace exist.

Christ Jesus knew the ill effects of wrath. He proved with his very life that only good gives power and peace. He said to his followers, "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." n1

n1 Luke 6:27, 28.

To meet evil with tood is not weakness, nor it is a sign of inactivity. If one is striving to love and, even more, to act from an absolute conviction that divine Love, God, is the only source of real action, then one is making a substantial contribution to the healing of discord. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, makes this wise statement: "At all times and under all circumstances, overvome evil with good. . . . Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you. The cement of a higher humanity will unite all interests in the one divinity." n2

n2 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,m p. 571.

One who was the courage to do good in the face of evil will help himself and all others involved. He may also give a new direction to the whole situation. The Bible story of Joseph shows this. He was sold by his brothers into slavery and then was unjustly accused of trying to seduce his master's wife. Yet in spite of this, Joseph remained free of hatred and revenge. Trusting his way unflinchingly to God, he eventually became the most important man at the side of the Pharaoh. And in the end, he even helped his brothers, who were suffering from a severe famine for which Joseph had already prepared Egypt. He saw the whole run of events as part of God's plan to save lives. n3

n3 See Genesis 37-45.

Divine justice always tends toward harmony, though the way at times may be difficult if much evil has to be overcome. Our part in bringing harmony is to follow God's commands. We can reject false pride and self-righteousness and strive for a deeper trust in God's goodness and dominion.

Joseph did not rebel against those who did him wrong. He showed no resentment, no explosion of hatred. Rather, he rose above human failure to the knowledge of God's love. How grateful his brothers must have been that the atmosphere was clear and peaceful when they met him!

Pride or stubbornness will never completely sweep out conflict. Divine Love is the supreme Lawgiver. Only with God's help can mankind find safety, justice, and peace. DAILY BIBLE VERSE If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:20,21