Vengeance: Withstanding The Thirst Of Vengeance

Vengeance is sweet” in the worlds view. It seems human to retaliate when someone injures us. People obtain joy at times from just planning vengeance, even if they never carry it out. This is not only a waste of time and mental energy, but, more importantly, downright wrong.

Never pursue vengeance or have resentment towards anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself saith 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

When you set a trap for others, you will get trapped in it yourself. If you move a rock down on others, it will move back and smash you. Proverbs 26:27

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in a way that everybody can see you are decent. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.

Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, “I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve It.” says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19

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The classic statement on vengeance is in Jesus’ famous words in the Sermon on the Mount:

You have heard that it hath been said ‘’an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’’. But i say unto you, resist not evil but whosever smite thee on thy right cheek; turn to him the other also. If you are sued to court and your coat is taken away from thee, let them have your cloke also. Whoever  will force thee to go on a journey with him, go twice. Offer to those who request, and don’t go away from those who want to lend from you.

The Law of Moses declares, Love your neighbor and dislike your opponent. But I say unto you, love your opponent, Bless them that abuse you, be noble to them who hate you and Pray for those who oppress you, that ye can be offspring of your father which is in heaven for he makes the sun to rise on the good and on the bad and send forth rain on the honest and on the dishonest. Matthew 5:38-45

Christians have been persecuted from the New Testament days until now. It is hard to keep from hating the persecutor. But Paul, who had endured persecution himself, told the Christians to endure it patiently, without wanting vengeance:

God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you. And God will grant rest for you who are being maltreated and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven.

He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-8

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