Avenge Not
Romans 12:19
Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord.
When someone maliciously attacks us or hurts us in some way, it may be hard not to retaliate or, at the least, to defend ourselves. Matthew 18 even instructs us to confront someone who offends us privately in hopes of resolving our issues. God wants His people at peace with one another because we have a common enemy who attacks us from the outside. Too often, however, the enemy finds an open door inside our churches and communities, where he goes on an internal attack. When he does, the body disintegrates.
To avenge means to punish as payment for a wrong done. When someone wrongs us, we cannot properly avenge ourselves. The wrongdoer must see that God is our protector and learn to fear Him. The fear of God is what brings wisdom; fear of man will only breed more hate and cause more strife.
God will avenge His people. We have His word on it. He knows the thoughts of man and the selfish ambitions that cause attacks and strife. People will attack you only if they are threatened by you in some way. By attacking you, they expose their evil plans or thoughts, and God must judge. Their attack will seem right in their own eyes because of their fear. When God exposes their evil thoughts or ambitions, however, they must acknowledge their own sin and can no longer blame you. If you avenge yourself, they have every reason to fear you and continue to fight against you. God’s vengeance is just, and it is final. We must allow Him to have the last word.
If someone has made you fighting mad, turn them over to God, and don’t avenge yourself. Don’t give your enemy anymore ammunition to come against you. Pray for them, and draw the power of God to the matter. God hears the prayers of His people, and He promises to avenge. As Romans 12:14 instructs us, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” When you bless, you disarm your enemy. They cannot attack any further without blatantly appearing wrong and standing in judgment themselves. Being nice just might be the greatest weapon in your arsenal. Pull out your blessing pistol and use it where you need today.
Have a blessed day!