But by the grace of God I am what I am. — 1 Corinthians 15:10
On many occasions, I recall people making statements about others and saying, “They got what they deserved.” Many times it was related to someone who had committed a crime. For example, maybe they had taken the life of someone else, and they were found guilty at trial. Perhaps you have, like many others, made the statement that “they got what they deserved.”
At other times, the comment has been made when someone has wronged another. I will never forget a prior coworker who felt wronged by someone else after an interaction. Something bad happened to that person later on, and I remember the words to this day. This coworker said, “That’s karma for you. They got what they deserved.”
It truly is our human nature to want to say those words that a person got what they deserved. In our eyes, we want to see accountability happen and wrongs made right. Whether it be through the court system, legal action, or many other situations, the quick statement is to take action and “give them what they deserve.” But is that truly what God would want?
We all remember the words of our Savior when he said turn the other cheek. While that’s a great example of arguing against giving someone what they deserve, I’m also reminded of Paul’s words here in Corinthians. It is by the grace of God I am what I am.
If we are honest, none of us received what we deserved. I remember the words of one old saint as I grew up. He often said that if he got what he deserved, he would be in hell with his back broken. Truly that’s what we all deserved for our sin. Yet, by the grace of God, I am what I am.
It can be so tempting to give others “what they deserve.” Instead, we should remember our own situation. Had we received what we deserved, we would be hopelessly lost. We are blessed far more than we ever deserved just in forgiveness of our sins. Our desire should be that others come to experience that same forgiveness that’s available to all, no matter what they have done.
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