REVENGE; IS IT THE WAY?
MAIN TEXT – ROMANS 12:9 – Beloved do not avenge yourselves …for it is written vengeance is mine; I will repay …
Leviticus 19:18 – You should not take vengeance nor bear grudges against the children of your people…
To revenge means to inflict pain or injury in return for an injury received. The natural instinct is to answer enmity with enmity, injury for injury and kindness with kindness. Many bible verses are clear on our role with seeking revenge. In our main text Romans 12:19, God tells us never to take revenge and leave it to the Lord. God is the ultimate Judge and when we seek revenge, we are taking His place.
When we become overwhelmed with what others have done wrong, we become filled with anger and find ourselves focused on hate. Jesus reminds us that all justice is in the hand of God, and to the day of wrath and righteous judgment, who will render justice to every man according to his works – Hebrews 10:30. The proper attribute of Christians is to overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21.
As Christian believers we must resist the impulse to retaliate but rather we promote our sanctification by doing good to those who do evil to us – 1 Peter 3:9, 1Thessalonians 5:15. We are to follow the Lord Jesus’ command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” – Matthew 5:44, and leave vengeance to God.
WE OVER BURDEN OURSELVES BY TAKING REVENGE
PRAYER – Holy Spirit, I free my heart from pains, grudges and bitterness. I commit the vengeance to you from now. Grant me a new heart in Jesus name
BY BISHOP NGOZI DURUEKE (HE REIGNS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL) To send your testimony, write us: mylivingwaterdevotional@gmail.com.