Dearest Chanmi and Joomi,
It’s been a tough year socially. Even as I approach 50, there are few things in life as daunting and difficult as teenage girl drama. It can be a lonely time in life. I’ve been there, though I never had to relive the pain on the digital ethereum. Teenage girl drama is much like apocalyptic warfare where there is no hope of winning: every man for himself, no loyalty, self seeking interests, desperate for approval. This doesn’t breed well for culminating true friendships. But hang in there because it does get better.
When you feel that someone has wrongfully treated you, it may be difficult to open up your Bibles and try to forgive when you are marred with hurt. But the Bible never asks us to discard our hurt, or forget our pain, or toss the desire for vengeance as if we can easily shake it off when it sticks on you like gum.
So it’s important to know what to do with your hurt and anger. In my own hurt and anger from watching how this weekend has played out, I’ve thought about tit for tat tactics, a jab back. They didn’t’ invite you in a blatant or thoughtless course of action. We won’t invite them. Just wait until you start driving. But this will only further pulverize a community I believe we can salvage.
What God asks us to do is pray our anger. And he doesn’t ask us to give up on justice or vengeance. You’ve been a good friend. Why are you being repaid this way?
What God asks us to do instead is to pray our anger. Remember Lord…. God doesn’t have any memory lapses like mommy. And he doesn’t need reminding. Remember means to take action. Vengeance is mine, God says. And by clothing your offender and feeding them; by paying back good for evil, you will heap burning coals on your offenders head. And the Bible encourages us to remember this. God will pay back. He will repay. Vengeance is his. But wash your hands clean of guilt. Leave it to God. He will remember. And he will remember your good acts all the more.