Undeserved Mercies
When someone hurts you or, worse, hurts somebody that you love, revenge can seem appealing. After all…
They were mean.
They were selfish.
They talked behind your back.
They broke a vital promise.
They lied about you.
They criticized you.
They ignored you.
They did the unthinkable.
They walked away.
They deserve to be punished, right? To feel some of that same pain? They deserve a consequence that will not only help them learn, but will be just as severe as the inflicted wounds.
And yet—because God sees things differently, both His standards and tactics can be surprising. And that’s why the apostle Paul, writing to the believers in Thessaloniki, said:
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT
Paul’s words sound a lot like Jesus’ words—to love your neighbor as yourself; to do to others what you’d like them to do to you. (See: Matthew 22:38-40)
God’s ways might not always be easy, but they can always be trusted.
When we choose unforgiveness, hate and anxiety and bitterness will likely take root. But when we choose forgiveness (even though we might need to consider new boundaries), love and peace and reconciliation can flourish.
So, what about you? Have you ever been mean? Have you been selfish? Talked behind someone’s back? Broke a vital promise? Lied, criticized, ignored, or done the unthinkable? Have you ever decided to give up and walk away?
In our unique-to-us ways, we’ve all let someone down. We’ve disregarded God’s instructions and, instead, created our own instructions. We’ve messed up.
We deserve God’s wrath but, instead, He’s offered us His unconditional love.
Because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we didn’t get what we deserve. And even while hanging on that cross, breathing His last earthly breaths, He cried out, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Jesus repaid our evil with extreme mercy, leaving us free to conquer evil with good. So today, let’s honor His sacrifice by treating others the way He treated us.
Reflecting on my own experiences with forgiveness, I’ve found that embracing Paul’s encouragement to "not repay evil for evil" is more freeing than seeking revenge. It’s natural to feel hurt when someone breaks our trust or causes pain, whether through selfish acts or betrayal. However, holding onto those feelings can weigh heavily on our heart and mind, often leading to bitterness and anxiety. In those moments, I remind myself of the mercy shown by Jesus, who, despite the wrongs committed against Him, chose forgiveness over punishment. This perspective doesn't mean allowing others to hurt us repeatedly; setting healthy boundaries is key to protecting ourselves while still offering grace. Forgiveness is ultimately about releasing the burden of anger and resentment—for our own peace. I’ve noticed that when I strive to do good even in response to hurt, it creates a ripple effect that can heal relationships and restore trust. It also helps me align with God's way of love, which is transformative and nurturing rather than punitive. Like the scripture says, pursuing what is good for one another fosters community and deepens empathy. While challenging, choosing forgiveness invites reconciliation and opens the door for new beginnings. It doesn’t erase the past but empowers us to overcome it with love. This journey is personal and ongoing, but by following the example of mercy and love, we find healing not only for others but ourselves as well.