Welcome to “Athlos” a weekly Wednesday blog which examines pillars of personal excellence and regularly brings together the worlds of spirituality and sport.
Revenge is not yours
“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-Romans 12: 19
Ruling out retaliation
It is a real human temptation to get even with someone who we believe has done us wrong. The desire for revenge is a genuine emotion that we must manage if we want to experience the joy and depth of close relationships. Yet, the evidence of today’s world filled with wars, violence, crime and unbridled anger, paints a sobering picture that we have a long way to go.
Last week, we looked at the despairing situation coming out of women’s football in the USA which culminated in a detailed report of various forms of abuse. Recently, it was reported that two coaches in the National Women’s Soccer League were fired from their clubs for what was termed ‘retaliatory conduct’. It was alleged that these coaches did not take well to players who spoke about up harsh coaching methods.
First of all, courage should never be squelched. Both adults and children are faced with situations where it could be easier to be fearful or timid. Bravery is an admirable trait. It is unfortunate that the players who were bold enough to bring light to the darkness were met with resistance.
Second, even if the coaches felt that wrong was being done to them, which the evidence suggests is not the case, we are encouraged by the apostle Paul, cited above, to leave vengeance in God’s hands. When humans retaliate, the cycle never ends. No one wins.
Do you seek revenge, whether in word or deed? Wisdom proposes a better alternative: leave room for God.
Righteous justice
Divine justice is always righteous. Trust that God will ultimately make right all that is wrong.
If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these and other related themes that promote the cultivation of an integrated inner self, read UNBEATABLE! which is available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
This Post Has 2 Comments
I am glad I read this because very often I feel cheated and slighted by specific persons I must interact with, so I am grateful for the reminder that I must leave things in God’s hands. Let him right the wrongs I feel. Speaking up means you get blacklisted. Thanks
Thanks, Michelle. We can trust God, ultimately, to bring about justice. It doesn’t mean that we can’t speak up, but there’s a point when we must leave it to a Higher Power to ensure that the outcome is right.