“Aaron Burr is an example of a man who allowed the desire for revenge to destroy him. Burr was a bitter political rival of Alexander Hamilton. When Burr and Thomas Jefferson were deadlocked in the House of Representatives for the Presidency, Hamilton’s influence led to Burr’s defeat. Later, when Burr was running for Governor of New York, Hamilton’s influence again contributed to his defeat. In his hatred for Hamilton, Burr determined to destroy his enemy. Burr eventually killed Hamilton in a duel — but the same pistol shot that ended Hamilton’s life also ended Burr’s political career. Years later, Burr confessed he would have been far wiser to have acknowledged that the world was big enough for both Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. Revenge has a way of destroying the one seeking it as well as the target of that revenge” (Clarence Macartney; preaching.com).
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves” (Confucius). Bitter animosity is a deadly game. Revenge and retribution have a way of backfiring on the perpetrator. One would think that followers of Jesus would avoid such behavior at any cost. But, sadly, even brothers and sisters in Christ fall into the same deadly trap of mistreating each other. Paul dealt with this very problem in his letter to the churches of Galatia. In the latter part of the writing, the apostle strongly affirms the principle of Christian freedom (5:1). But a bit later in the same chapter, he reminds his readers that Christian freedom does have some limits. Our freedom in Christ doesn’t give us license to mistreat each other (5:13-14). Notice how Paul describes the aftermath of being ugly with fellow believers: “But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another” (5:15).
Burr may have won the duel Hamilton but he destroyed his own career in the process. There are no winners in church duels as well. When we bite and devour each other, the only winner is the devil.
God loves you!
Mike
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