Vengeance

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.  Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12: 17 – 19)

Have you ever thought, “I am going to get even ….” Translated I am going to be as evil, as bad as ….” Meaning, I am going to take over God’s job for Him who said, “Vengeance is mine.”

God is in a much better position to handle the job than we. He understands better what happened,  deserves pay-back, and is better equipped to handle it than we.

God so desires that we not personally exact revenge that He put in both the Old and New Testaments: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19,  Deuteronomy 32:35)

Reputedly a fellow was told by his physician, “Yes indeed, you do have rabies.” Upon hearing this, the patient immediately pulled out a pad and pencil and began to write. Thinking the man was making out his will, the doctor said, “Listen, this doesn’t mean you’re going to die. There is a cure for rabies.” “Oh, I know that,” the man said. “I’m just makin’ a list of all the people I’m gonna bite.” Many folks live by the rule, “don’t get mad, get even.” God tells us, “Vengeance is mine saith the Lord, I will repay.”

Two things will happen when you relinquish the job to Him.

One, it will be handled better than you could do. 

Second, you will be spared a heavy load, a real toxic burden.

There is an alternative to vengeance and it is forgiveness, which when applied depends in large part on the heart of the offended. Contrition, repentance, and confession make possible the latter. God knows the heart of the guilty one and which is applicable. 

The same is true of our relation with the Lord. Our sins are an offense to the Lord, yet He forgives us. Out of gratitude for Him forgiving us we should forgive others, as the Scripture says: “… be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4: 32)

Assign all assumed reasons for vengeance to the Lord. “For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 30:18, ESV)