Judges 16:28-30 NLT
Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "Sovereign LORD, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes." [29] Then Samson put his hands on the two centre pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, [30] he prayed, "Let me die with the Philistines." And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime.
This was how things were in the Old Testament - about death and destruction - revenge.
Samson's last prayer and act in Gaza was to get his own back.
This is a natural human reaction to being wronged, but what does it actually achieve? More hatred? More revenge attacks?
Crazily enough the Gaza conflict still exists today! Hate perpetuates hate.
As Christians we have to look to Jesus who cried from the Cross for forgiveness not revenge.
We see this too as Stephen was being stoned:
Acts 7:59-60 NLT
As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] He fell to his knees, shouting, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin!" And with that, he died.
What did his death achieve?
Well, we see that Saul (Paul), before his conversion, was watching this scene.
It must have left some profound impression on him.
Through Paul many were saved and we read his letters of foundational theology in our New Testament.
So how we respond to our enemies does matter and either prolongs the circle of revenge or cuts it off with forgiveness.
Luke 6:27-31 NLT
"But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. [28] Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. [30] Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. [31] Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
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