Revenge is never justified

The title of the article I am referencing below says, \”resisting-revenge\”. From time immemorial revenge by us humans has been justified in our communities. Laws have been made all over this planet which espouse revenge when one is wronged.

In some cultures revenge is enshrined in the daily norms of life. But can revenge ever be justified?

\”Revenge is sweet\” — in the world\’s view. It seems human — all too human to retaliate when someone injures us. People gain pleasure sometimes from just planning revenge, even if they never carry it out. This is not only a waste of time and mental energy, but, more importantly, downright wrong.

Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

Don\’t say, \”I will get even for this wrong.\” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter. Proverbs 20:22 […]

Click here to view original web page at The Christian Broadcasting Network

Can Revenge Ever Be Justified?

For those of us who are Christ followers or believers, what is the teaching on revenge on this usually very topical subject?

You have been wronged, and your natural reaction must be revenge, right? Yes! You must be paid back in full. The offender must feel it too, even worse than you are feeling it! Forgiveness is a word right now which is not even on your mind!

There\’s a related article I did sometime back, forgiveness is your best revenge. Take time to read it. It\’s about a young woman called Mariana, who found forgiveness in God\’s word.

Do you have to Revenge?

If you are a Jesus Christ follower, do you have to take revenge for any hurt or offense against you? What does the manual of life say about revenge, especially in the new testament dispensation? Let\’s look at some bible verses.

Don\’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God\’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, \”I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord.

Romans 12: 19

God says, \”I alone have the right to take revenge\”. I believe rightly so. God is the righteous judge. He knows and understands the measure of right judgement.

When you decide to take revenge, you are in fact sitting on the high throne of judgement. You become a judge ready to dispense your own kind of justice. But how do you know the measure of your revenge will be equal to the offense committed against you? How do you even judge?

This is how it happens when God is the judge. Look at the following scripture;

\”You have heard that the law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor\’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemy! Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you. Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too.\”

Matthew 5:38-45

To summarize, there\’s no gain for you in taking revenge. Take a look here:

Scripture tells us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Romans 12: 20-21

So you shouldn\’t struggle with revenge. Get rid of it. Translate that hurt and hate into goodness and love. With it you will conquer all those who have offended you. So forgive and love. That\’s all there\’s to living a great life. Forget the past and move on.

Do you need help dealing with revenge. Maybe I can help. Try me. Let\’s connect.

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