In recent times, the media has relentlessly perpetuated a narrative that encourages people to reciprocate toxic behavior with equal intensity. I guess the idea is to avoid being taken for granted and to prove that we aren’t “blind fools” But is this approach truly wise? For ages the quote for vengeance has been an eye for an eye, but lately it has been taken up a notch, I hear people say it’s now two eyes for an eye, and that someone who would imagine them seeing with only one eye shouldn’t see at all, I guess that is what they call proactivity and smartness. Recently, there was a post of someone on social media, the person wrote, “well vengeance is of the lord, but guess who is made in his image?” it sounds hilarious, but this portrays how zealous people are to validate what negative notion or actions they are willing to carry out.
Well one couldn’t help but wonder, where do we draw the line? How far should we go? Should we allow our feet thread on this delusional path of matching energies with toxic people?
The Hidden Costs of Retaliation:
When we choose to match energy with toxic individuals and to fight inferiority complex, we often overlook the damage it inflicts on our own well-being. In the rush of emotions and a quest to get even with the other person, we get blinded by strife, wrath and bitterness, that we are unable to see how much harm is done to us in the process.
In this path We risk losing ourselves in the process, becoming unrecognizable to our own selves. Like a chameleon, we may constantly adapt to our environment, changing our “skin color” to blend in with the toxic experiences we’ve encountered.
But how far gone should we go before we become unrecognizable to our own self, while we gradually become a reflection of our environment and the toxic experience, we’ve encountered? How far gone before we lose our authentic nature, and just become a Shadow of our selves.
The Importance of Authenticity
As children of God, we are called to be lights in a dark world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). We are the salt of the earth, tasked with emitting the savory flavor of Christ to those around us and our circle of influence (Matthew 5:13). This doesn’t mean we should naively expose ourselves to toxic individuals, allowing them to prey on our vulnerability.
Instead, we must establish healthy boundaries to protect ourselves from harm. Just as we are instructed to guard our hearts and minds, desiring to have the mind of Christ (Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 2:4-5), we must be intentional about who we allow into our lives. We cannot afford to leave our “hedge” open, allowing serpents of this secular world to strike (Ecclesiastes 10:8).
Breaking Free from the Cycle of Toxicity
It’s time to reject the narrative that says we must match energy with toxic people. This approach only leads to a downward spiral of negativity and harm. Instead, let’s choose to reflect the life and growth of Christ within us following the footsteps of Christ, just as he came to do only the will of the God. Let’s be intentional about preserving the virtues and godly character that God has deposited in us.
In conclusion, you are not your trauma, and you are not your toxic experiences. Don’t let the world steal your joy and happiness, our greatest model of all times, Jesus said “…that My Joy may remain in you and that your Joy may be full” John 15:11b. He is the source of true Joy and peace. Don’t let the narrative of retaliation trick you into becoming an unempathetic villain. Choose to rise above, to reflect the love and light of Christ in all you do. You are his image and not a Chameleon to the world’s system!
