If you happen to kill someone – either by malice or by accident – New Guinea is definitely not the place to do it. Although the practice of “payback killings” has been illegal for a century, many of the Pacific island’s inhabitants continue to adhere to the ancient tribal code. It works like this: if a relative of yours is killed, you have a right to personally kill the offender. However, retribution must be delivered on the same day as the original offense. If for some reason that isn’t possible, the families of the victim and the perpetrator must arrange for monetary compensation instead. Then, if the payment demand isn’t met, the “payback killing” becomes permissible again.

Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

Proverbs 24:29

Perhaps justice is served in a few cases of payback killings, but it’s hardly an effective means of maintaining law and order. What is clear from Scripture and history is that those bent on revenge are seldom placated and often destroyed.

What if everyone in America – from the highest politician to the poorest citizen – focused on paying it forward instead of paying back? Make that your prayer and practice today, and you will draw others to the Savior.

Recommended Reading: Matthew 22:34-40

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