By Jim Nichols

I am not a golfer, but I have played it a few times and understand the game to an extent. In what seems now a lifetime ago for me, I was in a locker room with colleagues after exercising. It was the fiftieth birthday for one of them and, included in the banter he said, “Yes, I am on the back nine now.” 

That fellow was what I would consider to be an exercise nut and golf was in his repertoire. Typically, a golf course has eighteen holes and, once a player completes the ninth hole, the player then begins on the “back nine.” In other words, the last part of the course. This friend was reflecting on entering what he considered to be the final section of his life.

I am personally deeply into the back nine of my life and, like many others, am reflecting on what that means for my interests and abilities. Although there are exceptions, many of us realize that there is no time or energy left for certain activities. One of those activities is revenge.

Writer Peter W. Marty recently commented on what he called “. . .  America’s growing addiction to revenge.” Although he made good points, I do not believe current America has any corner on this; revenge has always been a human addiction. It is certainly highly visible now in politics (including the national version), but it has always been around. One wonders why such a destructive emotion or action continues to be so attractive. What does revenge accomplish?

For followers of God, the first illustration of revenge occurs in early Genesis with Cain and Abel. Both offered sacrifices to God, but God accepted only Abel’s. For a reason not well explained to me, Cain’s was rejected. In his anger, he sought revenge by killing his brother, Abel. It is the first account in the Bible of human anger, and the first murder. What did this revenge accomplish?

In a much different response later in the book of Genesis, we find the long story of Joseph (he with the “many-colored coat”). His brothers sold him into slavery but in an encounter later, Joseph shows great forgiveness rather than revenge. In the subsequent story, we see the positive outcomes of this forgiveness; it is clearly a human illustration of God’s forgiving nature.

This desire for revenge seems to be a fundamental aspect of human behavior. Indeed, the Bible is full of requests for God to reap vengeance on the writers’ enemies. This appears to be the writers’ desire more than God’s desire. As the stories unfold, it is as if God’s replies are something like, “You have lives seeking revenge, but I call you to peaceable trust in my love no matter what.” God often continues to state that humans, by seeking vengeance, are stepping across a boundary into God’s business. Paraphrasing Romans 12:19 “. . . Do not repay anyone evil for evil . . . try to live peaceably . . . never avenge yourself . . . vengeance belongs to God alone.” 

The most powerful and instructive illustration of non-vengeance deals with the resurrected Christ himself. He did not return to those who had killed him seeking revenge; instead, he showers all with his love. He does not buy into the “eye for an eye” philosophy.

Because revenge is such a deep and universal human emotion, these are hard words for us. I have noted before that seldom do we tell one another pieces of added information, things we do not already know; what we do mostly is to remind each other of truths. Would you join me in seeking peace and forgiveness rather than revenge?

We are surrounded by revenge-seeking. Is American capital punishment about revenge? What does it accomplish? Must we always connect politics and revenge? Kash Patel, Trump’s choice for FBI director, announced to the media, “We’re going to come after you.” Why is that statement necessary or helpful?

Friends, let us remember the character traits produced in believers by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23.

Seeking revenge does not show up on that list.

Jim Nichols is a retired Abilene Christian University biology professor and current hospital chaplain