Do You Want Revenge?

by Dorothy Johnstone 

Scripture has multiple examples about a person seeking revenge. The Lord says that vengeance is His.

• “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

To seek one’s own vengeance has consequences in itself and incurs God’s wrath – for an example of this see Ezekiel Chapter 25. To seek revenge puts a person in a very dangerous position. Anyone seeking revenge is trusting in their own wisdom, and the result is that they put themselves under a curse.

• “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5)

This verse of scripture is warning the person who trusts in themselves that they will be under a curse, and that their heart is departing from the Lord. (Yes, you can trust in yourself!) To seek revenge is not worth it.  

However, God has not forsaken His people. He promises to take up their cause Himself. 

• “Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee;” (Jeremiah 51:36)

God has a rescue plan, and His people need to trust in Him. He is after all, the God of all flesh, and His promise is judgment for all who are oppressed.

• “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)
• “The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed”  (Psalm 103:6)

God is a righteous judge. God has given His people a job to do. It is to love one another.

• “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” (Luke 10:27)

Leaving judgment to God is fulfilling the royal law - and love never fails.

• “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well;” (James 2:8)

It is our responsibility as Christians to pray for those who have wronged us, and to be a witness of God’s love. God is looking for people who will activate the royal law of love, and trust in Him. Doing this activates spiritual law at its highest level.  

• “Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you”. (Luke 6:28)

May God bless and protect you and keep you safe ‘til the day of your salvation, and forevermore. In Jesus' Name. Amen.