Cutting-edge revenge is a primary reason for our alienation from others. When the desire for revenge has been acted on, feelings of fear and guilt may soon override the attempt to justify what was done in hatred and bitterness. Cain could not have imagined the torment he would suffer for murdering his brother.
Listen as he cries out to God, “My punishment is unbearable. You have driven me from my home, and I will be hidden from your presence forever.” Cain’s grief is not linked to murdering Able, but to the consequences he now has to endure. Cain’s attitude of anger and hatred had made his gift to God unacceptable.
Fear and regret replace any joy a person may have experienced from getting revenge. God’s character will not allow him to bless someone obsessed with getting revenge, yet God’s word instructs believers to pray sincerely for those who cause your suffering and pain. Pray that God will be merciful to them – that prayer will be the source of your healing.
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“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends,
hate your enemies.’ But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those
who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in
heaven.
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