Revenge

We live in a fallen world. People steal, rape, murder, and squabble. There is entirely too much hate in this world of ours.

Imagine seeing your family slaughtered before your eyes, helpless to do anything. Imagine watching those whom you care about most brutally murdered, lying in pools of their own blood. And imagine the murderer smiling at you in mockery while he's doing it.

As humans, the first feeling we might feel is shock. Then devastation, and overwhelming grief. And finally, devouring all those is a sense of rage, of anger. The person who has done this will pay, and I will bring justice, we might think.

The truth is, revenge is altogether different from justice. As Rachel Dawes from the movie 'Batman Begins' so glibly states "Justice is about balance, revenge is about making yourself feel better."
I've seen so many movies and read so many books where revenge is a prominent theme (in fact, I've written/am writing one or two). The character has a dark past and is an avenger, he/she will do whatever it takes to kill that one person(s) who ruined their lives. *coughSasukecough*

Revenge is stupid. Yes, it may be what the person deserves. Yes, you may feel a little better after killing them...for a time. But in the end, it results in a never-ending cycle of hatred. Retaliation meets retaliation, and the struggle escalates. It becomes a bloody mess.
And even after your revenge is accomplished, what then do you live for? If you have dedicated your life to the pursuit of one person, when he/she is gone, what then? There is a huge void filling you. Life is empty.

The Bible says "Revenge is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord" (Romans 12). As a Christian, I know that no matter what crimes a person commits, he/she will ultimately be judged. And Hell awaits for those who do not repent.