A VICTORY FOR GRACE

The decision to forgo revenge is an early sign that grace is really changing how we think and act. The old and “natural” response is far too easy—to wound when we are wounded; to scorn when we are scorned; to satisfy our sense of fairness by perpetuating the unfairness. Unless renewed by grace, we take out eyes and punch out teeth, asserting this is “justice.” But Jesus shows another way—the wise absorption of the blow that cancels, disempowers, and finally defeats it. When we forgive, we win what we could never gain—a victory over hate and pride. So stay in grace.