Nougat 26

So in primary (elementary) school, we had some of the most colorful language for every situation (and the people involved). One such phrase was ‘back and belly rat’. (I wonder what they would say now?) Now a back and belly rat wasn’t exactly a two-sided cutlass, who pretended to be with you and said all the right words until they saw your enemy. A back and belly rat, if my memory serves me right, took news from me to my enemy and vice versa, without ever broadcasting their own complicity or being honest to state where their loyalty truly lies. Although today’s Holy Nougat does not wholly address either, the scenario it conjures took me there.

“I am devastated because they pay me back with evil instead of good.” Psalms‬ ‭35:12‬ ‭GW‬‬

The larger narrative of the Psalm speaks to the psalmist praying with and for those considered friends; and chronicles their devastation at what feels like the ultimate betrayal. Been there before? Most of us have. Time and again. But did it happen ‘bJ’ or ‘aJ’? And were our responses different?

You see, ‘before Jesus’, it is likely that our devastation may have been transformed very quickly into acts of rage. Retaliation is not always swift, and sometimes is not not too sweet. For sometimes it has very unnice consequences for the betrayed. Of course, it isn’t always like that. We sometimes retaliate right away and are satisfied with the outcome of our response.

Ironically, while it may satisfy in the moment, revenge rarely offers long-term vindication or satisfaction. Each memory can take us back to the moment. And the various triggers round and about don’t always help.

For those of us who have the benefit of the ‘after Jesus’ life; there is another, even better way. Oh yes.

And while many of us treat that recourse like a cliché, rather than a viable plan of action, it is actually the best response. In both Romans and Deuteronomy we are offered God’s response: leave it in the Lord’s hands. (See also Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19). I have found that Ephesians 4:26 has to become a natural part of me alongside the outworking of the Fruit of God’s Spirit for this to happen. Because unfortunately, although we live ‘aJ’, our bJ nature – pride, vengefulness and evening malice/maliciousness are still vying for dominance after Jesus.

It is for us to figure out whether we allow God to prevail. Even when our inner selves would rather retaliate in kind.

Lord please, when faced with Two-sided cutlasses, Back and belly rats and others such who betray us; help us remember that we betray You daily. Yet Your response remains the same as it was on the Cross – Father forgive, they really don’t have a clue! We give You the pain and trauma of our individual disappointment, embarrassment and dismay; and ask that You replace with Your love Forgive is when we are the agents of such behavior we pray in Jesus amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ