Retribution Impatience
Imagine what the world would be like if everyone received back what they gave.
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back." - Luke 6:37-38
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples they should love their enemies, do good to those who harm them and lend without expecting a return. And if should do these things for they will get what they give.
Look around. Does what we see in the world prove this out?
Sometimes it does, and we say, "Good. He got what he deserved." But often, the good deeds fail to go unpunished and evil seems to get rewarded.
But what if the failure to see good for good and bad for bad is just a matter of a limitation in our abilities? What if it is a timing problem?
When I was young, I learned that God will dispense judgment, and all who are evil or who sin will be banished from Heaven. But that doesn't make things right here and now, does it?
Is there any real consolation in knowing those who hurt us will be judged by God and suffer in the afterlife?
When it comes to getting results, I will admit I am impatient. I like to see things happen quickly, so when I do something good, I expect a good feeling will follow, not later, but right away.
I don't think I am alone in that regard. I believe our ability to communicate instantaneously with everyone and anyone has increased our expectation that we will be able to make snap judgments and take stands without the need for delays, like due process and long, drawn-out investigations.
Where we see injustice, we want retribution, and we want it now.
I must admit though that I have seen many examples of good returning for good, and the more I see, the more I believe we must continue to do what is right, now so much for our own reward, but because it defines who and what we are.
The fact that God returns the favor is an added blessing, rather than an incentive. Those who do good to and for us may do so expecting nothing in return, and we are grateful, but that should make us more eager to do the same for others.
What goes around, comes around. And what comes around needs to keep going.
So, I will try to be more patient. And better yet, I will try not to expect anything, for then I will truly be blessed.
More to come...