Definition and Context:
"Getting even" refers to the act of seeking revenge or retribution against someone who has wronged us. In the context of biblical teachings, this concept is often addressed in terms of human relationships, justice, and the moral and spiritual implications of seeking personal vengeance.

Biblical Teachings:
The Bible consistently discourages personal vengeance and encourages believers to leave justice in the hands of God. The Old Testament law, while allowing for a form of justice through the principle of "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24), was intended to limit excessive retribution and ensure that punishment was proportionate to the offense.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ expands on this principle by teaching a higher standard of love and forgiveness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers: "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also" (Matthew 5:38-39). This teaching emphasizes the importance of responding to wrongdoing with grace and patience rather than retaliation.

Apostolic Teachings:
The Apostle Paul reiterates this teaching in his epistles. In Romans 12:17-19, Paul writes: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord'" . Paul emphasizes that believers should trust God to administer justice and focus on living peaceably with others.

Practical Implications:
The biblical approach to getting even involves a radical departure from natural human inclinations. Instead of seeking revenge, believers are called to forgive and love their enemies. Jesus' command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44) challenges Christians to reflect God's love and mercy in their interactions with others.

Examples in Scripture:
1. Joseph and His Brothers: Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, had the opportunity to exact revenge when he rose to power in Egypt. Instead, he chose forgiveness, saying, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

2. David and Saul: King Saul repeatedly sought to kill David, yet David refrained from taking vengeance even when he had the chance. David respected Saul as the Lord's anointed and left judgment to God (1 Samuel 24:10-12).

Theological Insights:
The call to refrain from getting even is rooted in the character of God, who is just and merciful. By leaving vengeance to God, believers demonstrate trust in His sovereignty and justice. This trust is a testament to faith in God's ultimate plan and His ability to bring about justice in His perfect timing.

Conclusion:
The biblical perspective on getting even challenges believers to rise above the natural desire for revenge and to embody the love and forgiveness exemplified by Christ. Through this, Christians are called to be peacemakers and to reflect the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, said the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 20:22
Say not you, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save you.
Topicalbible.org

James 1:19-20
Why, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 12:16
A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covers shame.
Topicalbible.org

2818. kleronomos -- an heir
... This practice was attested even in secular life by Herodotus (2:109 ... of nomos (in
its original sense of partitioning, ie (reflexively) getting by apportionment ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2818.htm - 7k

Getting Even
... TALK FIFTY-FIVE. GETTING EVEN. "I'll get even with that fellow if it takes
ten years." Thus declared a man about another who had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk fifty-five getting even.htm

Getting Ready to Enter Canaan
... CHAPTER ONE GETTING READY TO ENTER CANAAN. GETTING READY TO ENTER CANAAN ... "Husbands,
love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter one getting ready to.htm

Heart Talks
... THREE TESTS OF LOVE. TALK FIFTY-FOUR. TWO WAYS OF RISING. TALK FIFTY-FIVE. GETTING
EVEN. TALK FIFTY-SIX. DO YOU KNOW YOURSELF? TALK FIFTY-SEVEN. BALKERS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/

St. Bernard (Ad 1091-1153)
... PART II. Bernard was even the chief means of getting up a new crusade. When
tidings came from the East that the Christians in those ...
/.../chapter xi st bernard ad.htm

Getting the Kernel
... my meaning I will take a text familiar to all and try to show you what I mean by
getting the kernel ... The Lord is my shepherd." It is not a man nor even an angel ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk forty-eight getting the kernel.htm

Getting Somebody Else.
... Personal Contact With Jesus: The Beginning of Service. (John i:35-51.) Getting Somebody
Else. ... That word findeth is very suggestive, even to being picturesque. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/getting somebody else.htm

"Getting Things from God"
... Perhaps, however, the most blessed element in this asking and getting from God lies
in the ... But even from what is recorded here I, too, can say from a full heart ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/i getting things from god.htm

The Distracted Mind
... more ways of getting the same thing done; and, as the proverb has it, have many
irons in the fire; who love little schemes, and plots, and mysteries, even when ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxix the distracted mind.htm

section 3
... the devil to rivet the chains of self back on a soul even in the very act of watching
the death process going on within it, getting it absorbed even with its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 3.htm

Even Now
... is not too late. You are getting into years, my friend. I want you to
believe that even now Christ can save you. I often notice ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/even now.htm

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