JP31: GETTING EVEN

During World War II, Darlene Deibler Rose, an accomplished linguist and missionary to Papua New Guinea, was captured and imprisoned following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.   Considered a spy, Darlene was routinely beaten and provided only one cup of rice per day in the Kampili POW camp.  How the young woman from Iowa responded to her captors is highlighted in her biography, “Evidence Not Seen: A Woman’s Faith in the Jungles of WWII”

Darlene's inspiring experience highlights the tension between competing desires to defend human dignity and personal rights while faithfully patterning our one life after Jesus.  

Matthew records how Jesus helps us relieve the tension when he says,

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:38-41

First-century Christians were targets of exploitation by Romans because they would not worship Caesar and by the religious establishment who rejected Jesus and his teachings.  Jesus responds with a counter-cultural ethic that explains how Christ-followers can settle their differences with a hostile culture.

Leave Score Settling To The Father

To the tradition of equal retribution, Jesus says to put it away.  Better to be exploited for your faith than to quarrel endlessly over one's judicial rights.   Instead of settling scores, Jesus calls us to leave the score-settling and ultimate justice to the Father.  

Paul, the apostle, reinforces the point here:

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:18-21

Insulted or openly disrespected for following Christ? Embrace the pattern of Jesus and trust God to bring about eternal justice.

Peter, the apostle, learned this principle directly from Jesus:

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:23-25

Hold Possessions Loosely

Forced to inconvenience yourself to reflect the character of Jesus?  Give a double portion for your king. Are you asked to give generously to those in need?  Hold your possessions loosely, trusting God to make up the loss for his name's sake.

Paul reminds us to,

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”   2 Corinthians 9:6–9

Upon hearing that Darlene's husband, Russell, had died in another POW camp, the camp commander summoned her to his office.  Instead of lashing out, Darlene courageously said, "Jesus died for you, Mr. Yamaji, and He puts love in our hearts—even for those who are our enemies. That’s why I don’t hate you, Mr. Yamaji. Maybe God brought me to this place and this time to tell you He loves you."  From that day forward, Mr. Yamaji was more friend than enemy to Darlene.

Decades later, she learned that Mr. Yamaji was sharing the good news of Jesus over Japanese radio.

Practice Max Love

Our lives may not come under threat, but we are likely to go unloved, disrespected, and wrongly accused by people we love and trust.  To all insults and offenses, we decide to give uncommon love, as Jesus did.  No shade-throwing or whispered insults, just love to the max.

Despite insults or exploitation because of our faith in Jesus, our unconditional love for people has eternal rewards and no regrets.  That’s why we choose not to get even and allow God the Father to settle our scores for the good of others and His eternal glory.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, teach us how to reflect the character of Jesus when we are discredited or exploited because of our faith in you.  When tempted to get even, remind me how you sacrificed your life to receive the punishment that my disordered loves deserve.  Grant me the grace to maintain a posture ready to love at the cost of dignity and pride and for the glory of your great name.  Amen.

Getting Even: How Christ Followers Settle The Score

1. Leave Score-Settling To The Father

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:18-21

2. Hold Possessions Loosely

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”   2 Corinthians 9:6–9

3. Practice Max Love

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Mt 22:37–40

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Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

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