Luke 17:1
“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!”
God warns the disciples that they will have to deal with personal attacks and scandals. He says, “It is impossible but that offences will come…” The word “offences” means “scandal.” God then gives a warning to the person who would start the attacks or scandals. He says it would be better for that person to drown at sea than to start such an action.
At first look, you would think that God is warning the disciples that they would have to endure such attacks; however, when you continue to study the next few verses, you realize that Jesus is warning them not to start such actions because they have been hurt. This is why Jesus says in verse 3, “Take heed to yourselves…” It was a warning to the disciples not to be retaliatory. The Scriptures show us five things we can do to squelch the urge to retaliate.
First, watch your spirit that it doesn’t become vengeful. Taking “heed to yourselves” is a warning to carefully guard your spirit. You must be careful that your spirit doesn’t become one that wants to get even with someone because of what they have done to you. Yes, you may have a right to do so, but you must “take heed” to yourself that you don’t become vengeful.
Second, go to the person who has wronged you and try to settle the situation. Verse 3 says, “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him…” You will find that many differences could be settled if you approach the offender in person. Dealing with someone face to face helps you to squelch the urge to retaliate.
Third, be willing to forgive. Verse 3 charges the Christian to forgive if that person repents. You must be willing to forgive if that person realizes their wrong. Don’t become so set on wanting revenge that you would be disappointed if they truly repented of their wrong. Never run out of forgiveness; you are going to need it.
Fourth, pray for God to settle the situation. Psalm 55:16 says, “As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.” This is a psalm about dealing with those who attack you. The psalmist understood that only God is capable of dealing with the situation and settling it properly. You are going to have to give the situation to God. As much as you would like to retaliate, you must exercise faith in God and allow Him to save you from those who attack and desire to destroy you.
Fifth, pray for the offender. Job 42:10 says, “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends…” God stepped in for Job when he prayed for those who maliciously attacked him. You will stay in bondage to bitterness and revenge until you learn to forgive and pray for those who hurt you. Don’t allow bitterness and revenge to keep you in a personal prison. Unlock the doors of your personal prison by praying for God to help those who have hurt you. Bitterness and the feelings of revenge will flee away when forgiveness steps in and you pray for the offender.
As Jesus said, it is impossible that you can go through this life without being offended. Let these five steps help you to squelch the urge to retaliate in the day of your offense and to keep your testimony and influence intact for Christ.