HOW TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/ 2. Do Not Seek Revenge

 Bible Teaching:

"Return evil for evil to no one . . . . If possible, as far as it depends on  you, be peaceable with all men.  Do not avenge yourselves,  . . . for it is written, "vengeance is mine saith the Lord; I will repay," says Jehovah. - ROMANS 12:17-19.  

What It Means:

Although it is natural to feel angry when we have been wronge, God does not approve  of our taking revenge.  Rather, he urges us to wait on him because hs will soon right all wrongs. - Psalm 37:7, 10 .

What You Can Do: 

When imperfect humans take revenge, it perpetuates the cycle of hatred,  Therefore,  if someone has offended or harmed you, do not retaliate.  Try to respond peaceably and with restraint.  In some cases, it may be less painful to let the matter go.  (Proverbs 19:11)  Of course, if there is some clear advantage, you may choose to address the proble for example, in cases where you are the victim of a crime, you may choose to reporrt the crime to the police of other authorities.

What if there does not seeem  to be a peaceful way to solve the problem?  Or what if you have alreay done you can to solve it in a peaceful way? Do not take revenge .  That will likely make the situation worse. Rather,  break the cycle of hate. You can learn to trust in God's way of resolving the proble.  "Rely on him, and he will act in your behal." - Psalm 37:3-5.

Next time: BREAK THE CYCLE OF HATRED/2. Do Not Seek Revenge -Real-Life Experience -ADRIA

From the jw.org publications