Just As Guilty
There are those who act violently and cruelly — plain evilly,
And such repulse and anger us, cause fear in society.
Hence why we oft hear people say, “We should do the same to them,”
Which though understandable, say, the Scriptures clearly condemn.
Sure they may deserve the same — yes, cruelty for cruelty, that is,
But such isn't our prerogative, just God’s alone, just His.
Appropriate punishment via earthly courts is right and fine,
But the right to go beyond that, clearly isn’t yours or mine.
Punishment? Maybe. Revenge? No. For that’s not the Christian way,
'Cause we’re to love our enemies, all who hurt us, or dismay.
Thus turning the other cheek, not seeking an eye for an eye,
Lest via such ill, our dear Lord and Saviour we re-crucify.
It’s Satan who whispers revenge, not Christ, so let’s take great care,
Lest it be that we aid evil, and thereby, guilt also share.
Yes, let’s leave it all in God’s hands, whose Coming isn't far away,
'Cause He is a God of justice, and justice will have its day.
Our old self wants to hit back, to retaliate in some way,
Thus doing to them what they did to us, or to others, say.
Yes, we want to see them suffer too, we want to see them pay,
But haven’t we hurt others? Are we any better than they?
Christ pleaded for His killers though racked by pain on Calvary,
Thus practicing what He preached, and gaining the supremacy.
Yes, our Lord took the higher ground, and wants us to take it too,
'Cause He wants our old self turned into something heavenly new.
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Father, help me love my enemies, repay evil with good,
'Cause I know that in Your Word, You have told Christians that they should.
Only You can bring about that change, 'cause I'm a sinner too,
Thus just as guilty as those ones who evil things choose to do.
By Lance Landall
This poem was upgraded on 12 November 2022.
“Do
not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the
eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live
at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room
for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will
repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed
him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you
will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:17-21, NIV).