Action and Reaction
Introduction. Newton's Third Law of Motion says every action has an equal and opposite reaction. This is a fixed axiom in physics, and has led to a better understanding of God’s creation. Since sin entered the world, it has also become an axiom for the emotional responses to the actions of others.
This emotional axiom leads to an escalation of conflict. Friendships that take years to develop can be destroyed in a few moments when an action meets with an equal and opposite reaction. When an outburst of anger in one person meets with an equal and opposite reaction in another it often escalates first to angry words and the often to evil deeds. Jesus summed up this worldly axiom when He said: “You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In judicial proceedings where all facts are taken into consideration with guilt and innocence established by evidence, this is the fair and equitable way to justly mete out punishment to the guilty. In other words, the punishment must fit the crime. But when it becomes an axiom of how to treat people one another in daily life (i.e., “Do unto others as they have done to you.”), it is harmful and leads to great sorrow and often ruin the brightest links of life.
When we allow the rude and sinful actions of others to bring an equal and opposite sinful action within ourselves, we feel justified. Fairness has been restored and all is well again. Although it is so common in this age that it seems normal and even just, it is wrong and must be changed. Those who take a tooth when another takes their tooth or an eye when their eye is taken actually live by the law of the jungle in this age. If they hit you, you hit them. If they insult you, you insult them. If they cheat you, you cheat them. If they become your enemy and hate you, you become their enemy and hate them. Many are so convinced of this truth that a desire for vengeance and revenge is the equal and opposite reaction. Until this equal and opposite reaction is complete, there is a debt owed and sooner or later it must be repaid.
While Jesus admits that this is an accepted axiom of this age, it can have no part in the behavior of His disciples. Instead of living in a world where actions are controlled by the treatment of others, it is God’s will that we live above the actions of others and respond not with reactions to their action, but with the motives of love, mercy and kindness given by Jesus. If we want to be children of God, we must change our axiom or philosophy by which we live.
The world responds to a sinful action with an equal and opposite reaction. This often creates a downward spiral where each response is stronger. A relationship with a friend can be torn to shreds, but even worse are the consequences with a complete stranger. By allowing our own emotions to be kindled by their actions, we mistreat those we have never met before. Jesus offered above a way that will remove all conflict. It was actually given long before on one of the proverbs. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Pr. 15:1)
Jesus asked His disciples to stop this vicious cycle before it begins. When an sinful action seeks a sinful reaction, the Christian refuses to respond equally. Instead of living our life chained to reacting to others’ sinful conduct, we always choose the path Jesus laid out long ago. Jesus never allowed the actions of those around Him to influence His reactions. When his disciples did something foolish, He never responded with sarcasm. When the Pharisees plotted his destruction, He still treated them as God directed Him. He always considered God’s desires and will as the proper response. He has asked His disciples to do the same.
The Holy Spirit summed this up. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:18). With the devout, there are no opposite reactions to the sinful actions of others. By living above what others do, we remain in control. One of the things that “He who would love life And see good days” must do is “Let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1Pet. 3:10). So many terrible things have happened to people just living their lives when the evil conduct of another leads them to an equal and opposite reaction. It is the source of all road rage and has left some dead at the hands of someone they did not even know.
One of the greatest obstacles to this new response is how others will view it. Most will see those who refuse to respond to insults as a coward. While men see this as a weakness and a character flaw, God sees it as strength in one seeking to return to the image and likeness of God. Jesus faced this at His trial. He refused to respond with an equal and opposite reaction. He absorbed their insults. They saw this as a weakness, but it was the strength that brought salvation into this world. He was strong enough to refuse to allow others to affect or even dictate His actions. God calls this meekness and self-control. The strength to respond with kindness and love to all provocations is a priceless accomplishment.
For the Christian, the Holy Spirit gives a far different equal and opposite reaction to all insults, rudeness, and mistreatment than what is learned in this age.
Regardless of the provocation, our responses and reactions are guided by mercy, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering. The next time a potential confrontation arises from the actions of another, we must remember we can rise above it with mercy, be humble and allow God to deal with it in His infinite wisdom and in His own time. This is how Jesus responded and we are asked to follow Him. “when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1Pet. 2:23).
Conclusion. Conflicts with people arise from two sources. We can begin with a rude, thoughtless or angry statement. The friend or loved one meets that ill-advised statement with an equal and opposite response of anger and harsh words. Instead of seeing the error and repenting in humble contrition with an apology for the initial rudeness, we double down with another equal and opposite angry reaction. So it continues until one or both see their folly and either stop it or continue until it spirals out of control. Jesus bids us stop living and conducting ourselves based on the actions of another and take control of our own actions separate and apart from those around us.
This emotional axiom leads to an escalation of conflict. Friendships that take years to develop can be destroyed in a few moments when an action meets with an equal and opposite reaction. When an outburst of anger in one person meets with an equal and opposite reaction in another it often escalates first to angry words and the often to evil deeds. Jesus summed up this worldly axiom when He said: “You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” In judicial proceedings where all facts are taken into consideration with guilt and innocence established by evidence, this is the fair and equitable way to justly mete out punishment to the guilty. In other words, the punishment must fit the crime. But when it becomes an axiom of how to treat people one another in daily life (i.e., “Do unto others as they have done to you.”), it is harmful and leads to great sorrow and often ruin the brightest links of life.
When we allow the rude and sinful actions of others to bring an equal and opposite sinful action within ourselves, we feel justified. Fairness has been restored and all is well again. Although it is so common in this age that it seems normal and even just, it is wrong and must be changed. Those who take a tooth when another takes their tooth or an eye when their eye is taken actually live by the law of the jungle in this age. If they hit you, you hit them. If they insult you, you insult them. If they cheat you, you cheat them. If they become your enemy and hate you, you become their enemy and hate them. Many are so convinced of this truth that a desire for vengeance and revenge is the equal and opposite reaction. Until this equal and opposite reaction is complete, there is a debt owed and sooner or later it must be repaid.
While Jesus admits that this is an accepted axiom of this age, it can have no part in the behavior of His disciples. Instead of living in a world where actions are controlled by the treatment of others, it is God’s will that we live above the actions of others and respond not with reactions to their action, but with the motives of love, mercy and kindness given by Jesus. If we want to be children of God, we must change our axiom or philosophy by which we live.
- "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; (Mt. 5:43-45)
The world responds to a sinful action with an equal and opposite reaction. This often creates a downward spiral where each response is stronger. A relationship with a friend can be torn to shreds, but even worse are the consequences with a complete stranger. By allowing our own emotions to be kindled by their actions, we mistreat those we have never met before. Jesus offered above a way that will remove all conflict. It was actually given long before on one of the proverbs. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Pr. 15:1)
Jesus asked His disciples to stop this vicious cycle before it begins. When an sinful action seeks a sinful reaction, the Christian refuses to respond equally. Instead of living our life chained to reacting to others’ sinful conduct, we always choose the path Jesus laid out long ago. Jesus never allowed the actions of those around Him to influence His reactions. When his disciples did something foolish, He never responded with sarcasm. When the Pharisees plotted his destruction, He still treated them as God directed Him. He always considered God’s desires and will as the proper response. He has asked His disciples to do the same.
- “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
The Holy Spirit summed this up. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:18). With the devout, there are no opposite reactions to the sinful actions of others. By living above what others do, we remain in control. One of the things that “He who would love life And see good days” must do is “Let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1Pet. 3:10). So many terrible things have happened to people just living their lives when the evil conduct of another leads them to an equal and opposite reaction. It is the source of all road rage and has left some dead at the hands of someone they did not even know.
One of the greatest obstacles to this new response is how others will view it. Most will see those who refuse to respond to insults as a coward. While men see this as a weakness and a character flaw, God sees it as strength in one seeking to return to the image and likeness of God. Jesus faced this at His trial. He refused to respond with an equal and opposite reaction. He absorbed their insults. They saw this as a weakness, but it was the strength that brought salvation into this world. He was strong enough to refuse to allow others to affect or even dictate His actions. God calls this meekness and self-control. The strength to respond with kindness and love to all provocations is a priceless accomplishment.
For the Christian, the Holy Spirit gives a far different equal and opposite reaction to all insults, rudeness, and mistreatment than what is learned in this age.
- “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” (Col. 3:12-14).
Regardless of the provocation, our responses and reactions are guided by mercy, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering. The next time a potential confrontation arises from the actions of another, we must remember we can rise above it with mercy, be humble and allow God to deal with it in His infinite wisdom and in His own time. This is how Jesus responded and we are asked to follow Him. “when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” (1Pet. 2:23).
Conclusion. Conflicts with people arise from two sources. We can begin with a rude, thoughtless or angry statement. The friend or loved one meets that ill-advised statement with an equal and opposite response of anger and harsh words. Instead of seeing the error and repenting in humble contrition with an apology for the initial rudeness, we double down with another equal and opposite angry reaction. So it continues until one or both see their folly and either stop it or continue until it spirals out of control. Jesus bids us stop living and conducting ourselves based on the actions of another and take control of our own actions separate and apart from those around us.
- “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.” (Lk. 6:27-29)
- “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” (Lk. 6:32-36)