Part of the reason for road rage is the lack of opportunity for retaliation. It’s too hard to communicate effectively with the driver of the car that just cut you off. Usually they are gone before you can lift a finger. Or when someone is tailgating you with headlights glaring, who can tell whether they can see your sign language.

It’s human nature to want to fight back when wronged. To insult an insulter, to give as good (or bad) as you get. But on the road, it’s a challenge.

I have seen people try though. I’ve witnessed people follow another car for miles on a freeway after that car cut them off — changing lanes with them, matching their pace. I’m not sure what they are hoping to accomplish. Maybe in their ideal world, the car pulls over so they can talk about what happened. Maybe an apology would even be offered? No, it’s more likely they just feel like terrorizing the person who cut them off a little. Road rage.

I’ve been on the other end too. I’ve done something stupid or accidental that pissed someone off. Sometimes I don’t even know what I did. But suddenly I see an angry face with accompanying gesture through a passing window. It’s frustrating because I have no way to inquire, apologize, or even return the angry gaze if I feel the “attack” was unwarranted.

“…Be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing, since you were called for this, so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8-9,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Just because payback is “human nature” doesn’t mean it’s right or good or helpful. God’s nature is so very different. He hasn’t given me what I deserve, for which I’m very grateful. And I should fight the urge to give other people what I think they deserve.

Dear God, please replace my human nature with your nature. Teach me to return insults with blessings, scowls with smiles, angry gestures with kindness, compassion, and prayer. When someone treats me badly, give me the strength to put aside my urges for retaliation in exchange for love and generosity.