CounterculturalSample

In ancient times, people operated with a mindset focused strictly on payback. That meant that if someone hurt you, you could and should get them back. You had full right to do to others what was done to you. In other words, it was all about revenge. While this may sound like an extreme approach, the reality is that so many of us live with a similar mindset today. Even if we may never actually act on it—we may never pay back wrong with wrong—we certainly want to! If we’re honest, we’d all admit we have an innate desire for revenge in response to being wronged.

That’s why Paul’s words in this verse are so important. Here, Paul encouraged us to remember that God calls us to something different: to do what is good. When we choose goodness, not just for ourselves but for others, instead of payback, we’re not only helping ourselves move on, we’re choosing God’s best for our lives too. Take time to talk with your small group leader this week about what it might look like for you to choose to do what is good instead of getting payback. Ask them to help spur your thoughts toward this truth when you’re tempted to think about revenge.