Let’s get real about something that’s everywhere right now – revenge culture.
It’s loud. It’s messy. And it’s showing up in ways we don’t even realize – in politics, global conflicts, cancel culture, and even in our personal relationships. But at the root of it all is this ancient idea we’ve twisted over time: “an eye for an eye.”
In the last post, we broke down how this wasn’t about getting even – it was about keeping justice proportional. It was meant to stop the cycle of endless retaliation, not fuel it. But today, we’ve taken that concept and flipped it into a weapon.
Now, instead of seeking justice, people want satisfaction.
Let’s break it down.
Where We See Revenge Culture Today
1. In Global Conflicts:
A country is attacked, and instead of responding with strategy and wisdom, the focus becomes hitting back harder. The goal shifts from resolution to humiliation. It’s no longer about protecting people – it’s about proving a point. And the cycle repeats, leaving innocent people caught in the crossfire.
2. In Politics:
We’ve all seen it – leaders using their power to “get back” at opponents. It’s not about serving the people anymore – it’s about winning, even if it means burning everything down in the process. Policies are passed or blocked, not because they’re right or wrong, but because someone needs to “pay” for a past slight.
3. In Cancel Culture:
Someone messes up – whether it’s a celebrity, an influencer, or a regular person online – and instead of accountability, the crowd demands total destruction. It’s not enough for the person to apologize or learn. People want their career gone, their reputation ruined, their life shattered. It’s not about growth – it’s about punishment.
4. In Personal Relationships:
Ever caught yourself giving someone the silent treatment not to create space for reflection but to make them feel your anger? Or bringing up old wounds just to win an argument? That’s revenge culture on a personal level – where the goal isn’t to resolve the issue but to make the other person hurt like you do.
The Problem with Revenge Culture
Here’s the thing – revenge never ends.
When the goal is payback, there’s always going to be another hit. Another clapback. Another move in the game. The cycle doesn’t stop because pain doesn’t cancel out pain – it multiplies it.
And let’s not mistake revenge for justice.
Justice holds people accountable and aims to restore balance.
Revenge wants someone to suffer, even if it means the situation spirals further out of control.
One is rooted in truth and order. The other is fueled by ego and anger.
So What’s the Shift?
If we really want change – in our communities, our countries, and our personal lives – we have to step out of this cycle. And that doesn’t mean ignoring harm or pretending everything’s fine. It means choosing accountability over retaliation.
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 wasn’t about being passive – “turn the other cheek” wasn’t a call to let people walk all over you. It was about breaking the cycle. It was a bold, radical move – to not let someone else’s anger pull you into their chaos.
So here’s what I’m inviting you to sit with today:
When someone wrongs you, is your first thought about making things right – or making them hurt?
Are you mistaking your desire for control as a pursuit of justice?
And most importantly – how can you hold someone accountable without adding more destruction to the situation?
Because the truth is this: You can’t heal a wound by making another cut.
Let’s keep the conversation going. In the next post, we’ll explore what it looks like to step into accountability – for ourselves and others – without falling into the trap of revenge.