There’s an old saying: “I’m going to get the last lick.” In other words: “I’m going to get even.” Human nature often tells us that if someone hurts us, insults us, talks about us, or treats us unfairly, we need to strike back. We want the final word. We want revenge.
But revenge is a heavy burden to carry.
When you live trying to “get even,” you become chained to the person who hurt you. They move into your thoughts, your emotions, and your peace of mind. You replay the offense over and over, planning what you’ll say or do. Before long, they are controlling your joy without even knowing it.
Strong people don’t have to get the last lick. Strong people know when to let go.
Sometimes walking away takes more strength than fighting back. Sometimes silence speaks louder than shouting. Sometimes the greatest victory is refusing to let bitterness take root in your heart.
The Bible says in Romans 12:19: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves… for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
God never asked us to carry the burden of revenge. He asked us to carry faith. He sees what others do. He sees the unfairness, the betrayal, and the hurt. And He can handle justice far better than we can.
Don’t spend your energy trying to settle every score. Put your energy into moving forward. Build instead of destroy. Bless instead of curse. Heal instead of hurt.
The person who always has to get the last lick stays stuck in yesterday. But the person who lets God handle it can step into tomorrow.
Today, refuse revenge. Refuse bitterness. Refuse to let someone else steal your peace.
Sometimes the greatest last word is no word at all.
J D Canter E Books 