Our natural inclination is to exact revenge when we are harmed. If someone cuts us off in traffic, we want to cut them off. If someone embarrasses us, we want to cook up some scheme to embarrass them. If someone takes something from us, we will find a way to take something more valuable from them. Most of the time, we make plans for revenge, but do not act on them, thankfully. But when we do act on these impulses, the damage is great and relationships are severed.
Romans 12:17-18 says, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” God commands us to never seek revenge on those who hurt us. Why? The next verse says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” God is a just God. He will punish those who do evil. If we take revenge for ourselves, we put ourselves in the place of God. Our puny efforts of vengeance cannot measure up to the plans that God has to punish evil.
Let’s leave vengeance in the mighty hand of God. Instead, let us do all we can to preserve peace, by doing good for all people.
Reluctant Retiree 