Jesus Speaks: Anger and Revenge
Jesus visited earth over 2,000 years ago. What He said was recorded by eyewitnesses in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. This is what Jesus said about anger and revenge:
You have heard that your ancestors were told, “You must not murder.” If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.[1]Matthew 5:21 NLT But I say if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment. If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. If you curse someone, you are in danger of hell’s fires. The simple moral fact is this: Words kill.[2]Matthew 5:22 MSG
Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, or criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.[3]Matthew 7:1-5 MSG Here’s a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Consider this old saying that deserves a second look: “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. Don’t hit back at all. If someone strikes you, stand there and take it.[4]Matthew 5:38-42 MSG
When someone gives you a hard time, respond with energies of prayer, for then you are working out your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does.[5]Matthew 5:44 MSG He gives sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? If you are kind to only your friends, how are you different from anyone else?[6]Matthew 5:45 NLT
In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up.[7]Matthew 5:48 MSG No more of this tit-for-tat stuff.[8]Matthew 5:42 MSG God is kind. You be kind. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.[9]Matthew 5:48