Revenge is defined as, “the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands.” God’s Word makes it very clear how we are to respond to those who have wronged us.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19
What does revenge look like?
It is human nature to take revenge on those who have caused us hurt pain and suffering. We tend to believe that somehow we have a right to take revenge and payback what they have done to us. God tells us to not seek revenge. Revenge is rooted in pride and hatred. It is the opposite of what God tells us to do.
God’s Word says that God will repay everyone according to what they have done.
6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: Romans 6:2
We can rest upon God that no matter what a person has done, God knows, and He will repay accordingly. We should never try to intervene for God because vengeance is the Lord’s!
35 To me belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. Deuteronomy 32:35
God tells the Israelites to not seek out revenge on others and to not bear grudges against another, but to instead love others as we love ourselves.
18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18
Jesus commands us to love our neighbors! (Mark 12:13) When we feel that tinge or desire to seek revenge or to be the hand of God and force our own consequences on others, we need to seek Him in prayer and pray for the person who has wronged us. Revenge can encompass the act of trying to be the executioner ourselves. If we see someone is not suffering for their pain they have caused us, we seek to bring action to try and cause them hurt to satisfy the need to feel vindicated.
We need to not hold grudges. God says, do not avenge and do not hold a grudge. A grudge is, a persistent feeling of ill will or resentment resulting from a past insult or injury. I think what is key to understanding grudges is understanding resentment. Resentment is, bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.
Revenge is saying, “because you did this, I am doing this.”
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Seeking out revenge, holding grudges, or hating others will only hurt you and impair your relationship with God and others. Pray is a key weapon to avoiding the temptation of revenge. It focuses on the person and not the actions. It sees past their actions and sees the person as Jesus see them. It helps redirect attention to their need for Christ and it is only Christ who can redeem them.
God’s Vengeance
Revenge belongs to the Lord! His vengeance is holy, righteous and perfect!
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48
Our Heavenly Father knows exactly what that person needs and unlike us who want to dole out hate, God gives mercy and pours out his love and grace upon those who have wronged us. If we were honest with ourselves, we can admit that revenge is rooted in pride, self ambition, and conceit. We need to have nothing to do with these sins.
Revenge is the Lord’s and we need to not meddle in God’s affairs. God will carry out vengeance according to His perfect will, nature and character. Revenge only brings grief, pain, and bitterness. Instead of focusing on thoughts that fuel revenge, we need to focus on things that are good.
God’s vengeance is not reckless, it is redemptive. God’s desire is to lead all to redemption. God has a bigger picture in mind. Often we see this as unfairness. When someone is redeemed to God through Him because of a situation that caused you harm, it is easy to get upset and feel that it is unfair. You want the person to suffer as much as their suffering caused you to suffer. This is why we cannot and should never seek revenge. God is the only one that can perform vengeance and mercy at the sametime.
Focus on things that are Good!
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8
Paul does not tell us to focus on revenge or vengeance. Focus on what is true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Thinking about revenge will not come to mind when our minds are full of His truth! God does not want our heart to be filled with anger, hate, bitterness, grudges or revenge. He wants our hearts to be filled with love, grace, and mercy.
Something I strive for is to be an emotionally mature Christian. What does that mean? It means not allowing my emotions to control me. Rather than seeking revenge, I focus on forgiveness, making amends, reconciliation and how I can allow God to work His love, grace, and mercy through me because ultimately that is what the person needs. To forgive, pray, and trust that God will carry out His righteousness and vengeance. I pray God’s vengeance lead people to repentance and redemption. I pray his vengeance lead to restoration and reconciliation to Him that person’s life.
It Starts Small 
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