You know that saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Yeah, it used to be something that means turn your bad situations into something good. But nowadays, people twist it to say, “when people give you lemons, squeeze it inside their eyes.” And some even laugh like it’s clever. But to be honest, it’s not. That kind of mindset doesn't build anything good.
It's just encouraging people to take revenge, to repay hurt with hurt. Like, someone offends you, you must pay them back, sharp-sharp. But ask yourself, what does that really fix? Nothing, just more pain going round.
The Bible clearly said in Romans 12:17–19,
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not take revenge… for it is written: Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
Meaning, you’re not the one to do the payback, God will handle it in His own way.
You might feel like you have every right to respond harshly. Maybe they really did you wrong. Maybe the pain is deep. But does squeezing lemon in their eye (figuratively) make you feel better truly? Or does it just turn you into the same person that hurt you?
Sometimes we forget that not responding is also a response. A powerful one,that matter.
The Bible still said in Proverbs 24:29:
“Don’t say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me. I’ll pay them back for what they did.’”
That one hit hard, because many of us have that feeling inside. But that’s not how God wants us to respond.
Jesus Himself was insulted, beaten, nailed to the cross, yet He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” That's the standard. Not easy, but powerful. That’s not weakness at all, but strength wrapped in love. Yet, sometimes, we even leap in joy when we hear a misfortune has happened to these offenders. But really? Are we still Christians?
Well, as long as you breath, people will hurt you. Life will give you lemons, disappointment, betrayal, insults. But what you do with it says a lot about you. Instead of turning bitter, choose to grow. Instead of revenge, choose peace. God sees it all and He will reward you in due time.
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you…” (Matthew 5:44). Not because they deserve it, but because God has called us to a higher way of living.
I believe you now get me right. So, let me round up by saying that this idea of squeezing lemon in people’s eyes might sound strong or funny, but truth be told, it’s not worth it. Don't let bitterness shape your actions. Don’t let pain turn your heart cold. When people offend you, take it to God, not back at them. Let your peace speak louder than your anger.
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Mbimda Ali Mbishida
© The Inspirer
June 20th, 2025.
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