On the morning of October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorists rushed into southern Israel and slaughtered over 1300 Israelis and kidnapped at last count 199 people, including some Americans. The carnage was unlike anything seen since the Holocaust and images on the internet showed the brutality of the evil incarnate. People were burned alive, shot, and many were decapitated including babies. Israeli leadership vowed to destroy Hamas and “wipe them from the face of the earth”. If there was ever a question as to what evil is, we saw it in southern Israel on that morning. For pro-life supporters this brings up a challenging question – how do we reconcile our pro-life views when it comes to revenge and retribution?
What Does the Bible Say About Revenge?
I have said previously – following Jesus is hard. This specific topic illustrates how hard this is at times. For transparency, I am struggling to reconcile my pro-life beliefs with expected revenge and attacks on Hamas, as I am sure many others are. The brutality was evil, and I feel that this evil must be eliminated permanently. As Catholics, we believe that God gives us life and only God takes it away, but I struggle with the depravity of the acts and knowing they will happen again if something is not done immediately. There are innocent victims on both sides; the victims in Israel, and the people of Gaza who are used as human shields to protect the Hamas fighters and their weapons. The amount of death from this war is already significant and expected to grow exponentially. But, what does the Bible say about revenge?
- Deuteronomy 32:35 – Vengeance is mine and recompense, for the time they lose their footing; Because the day of their disaster is at hand and their doom is rushing upon them!
- Proverbs 20:22 – Do not say, “I will repay evil!”Wait for the LORD, who will help you.
- Matthew 5:38-39 – “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.
- 1Peter2:21-23 – For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
- Romans 12:21 – Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.
- Luke 23:34 -Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots.
Jesus forgave those who crucified Him on the cross. I have always wondered how He could do that and wondered if I could in the same situation. I honestly don’t know. This is a similar struggle I am having now with this next step in the war.
How Can We Process This as Catholics?
it is very easy to say “I trust God.” In situations such as these, does that “trust” come from the head or the heart? Jesus is clear that He wants this to come from our heart and trust that He will deal with the evildoers in His time. The problem is exacerbated when guilt and shame come in to play because of our want for revenge. So how can we process this? I am sure you can find dozens of books and articles on why bad things happen to good people. I suggest that we go to the source, God, asking Him to help us understand and trust that justice will be served. How to forgive the unforgivable. Bring these questions as well as any feelings (guilt or shame) to prayer and ask God to bring you to His peace as you process these horrific actions along with your conflicted feelings. Pray for all victims and families, as well those struggling with what they have seen and heard. Pray that God can bring you to a place where peace stands above all. I know I am not there yet with this event, but I trust that God will get me there.
God Bless
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