One of the things that makes us human is our emotions; and the tendency to have them provoked or evoked. Most times, we can hardly help but react in tandem to the directives of such emotions. As a result, some of our actions as humans are powered by our emotions. Still, our emotions remain a makeup of our humanity.
The ability to be happy, sad, angry, and all other feelings is part of human nature. The provocation of our emotions is what could make one retaliate against an action or attitude meted out against them. Such action of retaliation is called “revenge” as we all know. Though spiritual and moral advice goes against it, it's easier said than done.
The tendency or the decision not to take revenge over a matter, especially of deep pain and concern is hard. Extremely hard. Due to the difficulty involved in overriding the matter as opposed to “satisfying” oneself by taking revenge, we find that many have been dire executors and victims of such actions; depending on where one stands in regards the action.
So, we tend to take revenge when the nature of the situation seems to be overwhelming. As mentioned earlier, letting go and not taking revenge is one of the most difficult things a person can face. I've heard of cases where those who were victims, directly or indirectly of one act or another decided to let it go. In some other cases however, the victims took revenge.
A time in school, I wanted to go on a revenge mission against a friend. I actually helped him do something, hoping he would do the same for me when the need might arise. Fortunately, it did. As you expected, he couldn't. He couldn't not he wouldn't. He had good reasons at that moment why he couldn't, which were justifiable. But then, the emotions acting within me were almost blinding me from that.
Well, I couldn't go on with the mission. I had to come to my senses and shake off the emotions. This was a friend who had been really helpful to me, though we had some shortcomings. On the large scale, he was wonderful, and still helpful to date. Yes, I didn't go ahead to retaliate. I had it cleared off my mind even before the opportunity came.
Here's what I've learnt on this...
Emotions make us human, as well as the tendency to get others provoked or do them wrong that which could harbour vengeance in their heart. What does this mean? As our emotions can get provoked, which evidently makes us human, the place of erring is also human. However, not taking revenge is certainly divine. We can't find the ability in ourselves to say we forgive an offence and not take vengeance.
Living by the dictates of our emotions makes it easy to seek revenge and hard to let go. Momentarily, it feels good as it appeals to and satisfies that emotion. But in the long run, it leaves us with some marks of regret about it. Learning to put our emotions in check and seeking the help of the divine (God) can help us pull through without taking revenge. Nonetheless, it's easier said than done.
Images are mine.