Reverend Marco Ste-Marie

VENGEANCE IS A LIE

Scripture: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also.” (Matthew 5:38–39)

For the original hearers, “eye for an eye” was meant as a limit on violence. It was never meant to fuel endless revenge, but to restrain retaliation.

Jesus pushes further. He says, “Do not resist with more violence.” For His followers, revenge is not the answer.

Today, we live in a culture of payback. We see it in politics, in media, even in our personal relationships: the idea that the best way to win is to strike harder and faster. But Jesus cuts through this lie.

Anger is easy. It feels like strength. But in truth, it devours us.

It turns victims into perpetrators and communities into battlefields.

Jesus redirects from proportional retaliation to creative, nonviolent resistance that unmasks evil and preserves dignity.

I remember once sitting in a heated community meeting. Voices were raised, accusations were flying, and someone turned their anger directly toward me.

My first impulse was to answer back with the same tone. But instead, I paused, took a breath, and calmly said, “I hear your concern, but speaking in anger will not get us to a solution.”

I wasn’t passive—I didn’t accept unacceptable behavior—but I refused to let anger dictate the moment.

That small choice shifted the room. Others began to lower their voices, and we were able to move forward. That is peace in action—not silence, not surrender, but strength without vengeance.

When I am wronged, what is my first instinct: to heal or to hit back?

Vengeance pretends to be power, but only peace holds real strength.