Years ago a man who didn’t like having smoke blown in his face developed a way for nonsmokers to fight back. He called his product “Revenge.” It was a foul-smelling disinfectant that came in a pocket-size spray can. The spray gave cigarette smokers a dose of their own medicine—bad air.

Many resented the idea. Some got a laugh out of it. Still others purchased some of the stuff. Its manufacturers were capitalizing on the feeling that I’m sure all of us have experienced: If we don’t counter insult for insult, we’ll get stepped on.

For the Christian, however, there are problems with trying to “get back” at someone. We lower ourselves to the level of the person who irritates us. This makes us vulnerable because we violate the principles of faith and love. Revenge appeals to our lower instincts rather than to the high strategy of goodness found in Christ.

The Word of God is clear: Getting even is never the answer. “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). So what are we to do when someone offends us? We must continue doing good, and let God handle vengeance in His perfect time and way. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (v.21).