You don’t understand, I’m the victim here

I have heard people say that the Old Testament law "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" (Exodus 21:24), is barbaric. I mean didn't Jesus tell us to love our enemies? But when confronted with a gunman in full on rage,   would Jesus command be the first thing that you would think of to tell him? What I am saying here, is that in the revenge filled atmosphere of Bible times, the rule was more about preventing two teeth for one tooth, and two eyes for one eye. In other words understanding the times,  the Lord was teaching justice rather than revenge. And in some ways, since our current culture has largely thrown out Biblical wisdom, our culture is in grave danger of reverting to revenge mode,  rather than justice mode.

And part of this, coming to the title of this post, is that our culture is very much encouraging the victim mentality. In fact it goes so far at times, as to suggest that the victim is the only one who has the right to speak. But this does not take into account our propensity to get things out of all proportion. So when a man is hurt by a woman, he might self-righteously declare “all women are evil.” Attributing white privilege to all who are white, is another example. I mean do we really think that no white person has ever been abused or victimized? Please do not misunderstand me, I am very well aware that grave injustices have been done to certain groups. In terms of the woman’s issue,  for example, it’s not that long ago that that that a woman could not even vote.  But our tendency to massively over-respond at times, is in fact the very reason the eye for an eye law was commanded in the first place.

In other words more often than not, we are not so much interested in justice, as we are in revenge! As Christians, especially among each other, there are times when we just need to let things go, and let God deal with the injustice. For example, Paul suggests that it is better to be cheated, than for believers to go to court against each other in front of unbelievers (1 Corinthians 6:7). What I am saying here this morning, is that in order for there to be peace, the victim has to be the better person. I’m not suggesting that we should be doormats, but when Jesus instructs us to go the second mile (Matthew 5:41), at the very least He is suggesting that we should not be preoccupied with demanding our rights. Indeed we are commanded to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger ….” and “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:31, 32).

Father, it is not easy to live in this world and respond to life in a way that pleases You. Your Word does tell us however, that we should learn not to live for ourselves but for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us (2 Corinthians 5:15). In many things we all fail Lord, but thank God for Your forgiveness and cleansing, and for the Grace You pour out on us to enable us  to live for You. And we give You praise and thanks again this morning Lord,  in Jesus Name Amen