Vengeance - The Other Eye

There is not one person alive that has not felt wronged at some time. That gut-wrenching feeling that comes when the world truly has not been fair and something that was so precious has been destroyed. The tears, the pain, and the absolute fury at the injustice done are feelings that every human being on the planet has experienced.

After the tears have dried and the shock of the action has passed, there is a pit that is left in a person’s very soul. An ache that is undeniable that can only be soothed by one thing it seems. Vengeance. Retaliating against the intermittent horror that happens is a natural desire. It is a primal reaction to protect, to revenge, to make right the wrongs done. After all, the bible does say an eye for an eye, but it did not mean to pluck out the other one after the first is already lost.

Is vengeance a right? Is getting back at those that have caused pain the best course of action? The simple answer is no. Striking out only serves to mimic the very actions that were abhorred. It debases the love that was ripped out with a seething darkness that destroys from the inside out. Those that destroy seek power. No matter the cost and no matter the form it comes in. The expectation is for the reaction. It is craved, desired, and purposefully antagonized by entities that cause destruction.

Pain and strife are a part of life. Around every bend is the possibility of misfortune. Learning to cope with catastrophe is a daunting task and one that most people fortunately do not have to do often. But, the ability to face adversity and rise above it is one that reaps rewards greater than any primitive reaction. Launching an assault against a sensed evil does not ease the agony of loss.

It makes no sense to hurt one’s self in order to dole out perceived justice. It does give a sense of momentary relief but that is quickly replaced by other feelings such as guilt and increased sorrow. It gives those that cause pain more power. Vengeance is not a choice, it is not an answer.