I was watching the local news last night when the big story was a Christmas bandit robs elderly couple. The yearly tradition for them was to cover their entire yard with Christmas decorations. It was one of those busy decorated yards with lights and blow up characters everywhere. Each year, they add more goodies to their collection to share with all who come by. Except this year, somebody who thought a little more of himself than other's decided to steal what they had worked so hard with love, time & money to create.
The couple had surveillance cameras that captured the culprit in the act. Not only did he steal once…but he came back again another night and helped himself to some more decorations.
Who does that, right? I can't imagine enjoying anything that I stole from someone else. How do these people actually use what they steal? What a sad state of the heart.
During the interview, they were asked what they would like to see happen to the criminal who stole their Christmas decorations. Without missing a beat, the older man described how he'd like to physically beat the person up. He wanted nothing more than to harm this person who hurt him by taking what was his. A Christmas decoration. The wife went a step further. She told the reporter that she wanted to hit the criminal with a board full of nails, in the head. Harsh!
I'm not in anyway condoning the stealing of anyone's lawn decorations. I can't fathom finding joy or peace in stealing anything, ever. But what caught my attention was the revenge they felt was acceptable. No matter what offense comes our way….it's never a good idea to lash out with physical violence. The need to go that far worries me. What is our society coming to? An eye for an eye? Watching the story just hurt my heart. I hurt for their loss and the meanness that went along with it and I hurt for the condtion of their hearts that would have them respond with such a payback mentality.
You and I don't have to live like that. It's not necessary, ever. God has all the wrongdoing stuff covered. He can and will provide all the retribution needed. We may not see it or know about it…but we can trust Him that he's got it handled.
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Romans 12:19
Lord
I pray for this couple who have clearly been violated by someone who chose to steal from them. I understand the helpless feeling of being robbed. Help each of us to see moments like this as a time to forgive and show other's how to do the same. Stealing is wrong but so is revenge. Forgive us for our wicked ways.
Amen
