1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

It is human nature to seek retribution when wronged. Someone damages our property, our reputation, or our ego, and we seek to strike back as painfully as possible.

Yet, for those who trust in Christ, there is something more important than justice. More critical than getting even, or obtaining vindication, is representing God accurately. God is merciful, therefore we must be merciful. God offers forgiveness, as should we. Our reaction when others wrong us does a great deal to reveal the depth to which we understand our roles as God's ambassadors.

If we, as those who identify with Christ, when wronged respond with bitterness, animosity, threats of violence, lawsuits, physical force, or gossip and slander, what message does that send to an unbelieving world about our Savior?

Don't misunderstand: God is not anti-justice, and His divine order to the universe cannot be broken without consequence. Those who wrong others; those who cheat, steal, and lie will be called to account and made to answer for their actions. But the position of judge is one reserved for God alone. Only He can make fair, impartial judgment in every instance.

So, for His children in the here and now, the call is to extend mercy and forgiveness, even when wronged. To "turn the other cheek," and -- even though we may be in the right -- to demonstrate the undeservable nature of God's grace and love. To "repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all" [Romans 12:17].