Jesus: a way out of the cycle of revenge

One thing I have noticed in my ex-Muslim friends is how they treasure the verse, "Love your enemies; bless those who curse you." In so many Muslim societies there is an endless cycle of harm and revenge, revenge and harm. These grudges can endure for centuries or until one party dies out.

Emir Rishawi, an Egyptian MBB has written these touching words on the topic:

Jesus has fulfilled the desire of the bygone generations and the prophecies of the prophets by coming to save man and release the nation. But he would not do that by resorting to ways befouled by transgressions, for transgressions cannot be taken away by another transgression. A grudge cannot be taken away by a grudge, sin cannot be taken away by sin, and killing cannot be annulled by killing. Love alone can remove grudges, and forgiveness alone can blot out transgression. To die for the killer is the only way to annul killing.

Envy was able to hang Christ on the cross, but it stood helpless before the forgiveness that Jesus granted those who nailed Him to the cross: "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34).

From HERE.