After a particularly lousy landing by the co-pilot of an Australian commercial airline, that co-pilot heard the Captain say into his microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, XXX airlines wishes to apologize for that rough landing provided today by our first officer".

Some months later the same crew were together and, you guessed it, the Captain had an even worse landing. The First Officer immediately jumped on the intercom announcing, "Ladies and gentlemen, XXX airlines wishes to apologize for that rough landing provided today by our Captain."

The Captain immediately responded angrily, "What did you say that for?"

The First Officer replied, "Remember a couple of months back? I owed it to you!"

"But I never keyed the mike!" responded the Captain.

We think that paying someone back will make us feel better, but it doesn't.

How many times have we tried to "get even" with someone only to suffer embarrassment or hurt as a result? We think that paying someone back will make us feel better, but it doesn't, even when we truly have been wronged.

Solomon gave this wise piece of advice: "Do not say, 'I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did.'" (Proverbs 24:29 NIV)

Suffering wrong without retaliation is one of the toughest things Jesus asks us to do, but it's the right thing.

"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." (Matthew 5:44)

To Live Is Christ: Embracing the Passion of Paul by Beth Moore Tracing Paul's life from childhood to martyrdom, the book looks at how the apostle's life can give readers a renewed sense of purpose in God's plan.

Alan Smith ministers with the Church of Christ in White House, Tennessee and publishes the email devotional "Thought for the Day."

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