Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Hate multiplies hate in a descending spiral of violence. Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” What type of emotion comes over you when someone wrongs you? Do you feel compelled to get even or seek revenge? If so, this is not what Jesus calls us to do. Jesus says in Matthew 5:38-40, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”

Revenge might feel satisfying in the moment, but it only escalates problems and destroys relationships. Instead, we are called to pray for those who persecute us and to fight hate with love. This is not referring to a sentimental type of love, but to a respect for others, recognizing that they too were created in the image of God. We won’t be perfect every time, but we can strive to do our best to respond in a Christ-like manner to those who wrong us.