Tit for tat means “If you hit me, I will hit you back.” Or, conversely, “If you hug me, I will hug you back.” Each action is countered by the other party—either to cooperate or to compete. Sometimes it works, but often it has terrible outcomes, especially if the parties lose confidence in each other. The Bible weighs in on this idea of tit for tat when we read this in Romans Ch 12, “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” “Never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Today, we need people to model peace and love—not tit for tat.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
