There are those who daydream of ponies and picnics, and then there is me\u2026 dreaming of the ways I can take revenge on my enemies.\u00a0<\/p>\n
When we hear \u2018revenge,\u2019 we often think of slashing tires and egging houses, or worse. But revenge can be much simpler. Sometimes our success is \u2018revenge.\u2019 We dream of the day our enemy scrolls through social media to see our radical weight loss transformation or our beautiful European vacation. We can even \u201cspiritualize\u201d our revenge. We pick \u201cgood\u201d goals in our lives to shame our enemies. But this revenge is just as sinister. And just as tempting. There is something about revenge\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n
Every time I feel bent on revenge, I read Romans 12<\/a>. Romans 12<\/a> is very anti-revenge, as you can imagine. Although there are plenty of Bible verses condemning our fantasies of revenge, Romans 12<\/a> lays it all out for us. Starting in verse 14 it reads, \u201cBless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.\u201d In verse 17, it continues, \u201cDo not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God\u2019s wrath.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n I could not have said it better myself, \u201cDo not take revenge.\u201d No arguing with that. Short and simple, straight to the point. But did you notice that the Scripture calls us \u201cmy dear friends\u201d? In our dark moments when revenge feels so tempting, our pain is recognized in that sentiment. Often, those seeking revenge are seeking retribution for some kind of hurt or injustice. Although we are asked not to take revenge, we are simultaneously seen in our suffering. Do not see God\u2019s command as a dismissal of whatever you may have gone through or experienced. God sees you and cares. In fact, He cares far too much to allow you to take revenge. He would rather handle that part for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n It is difficult to let go of the idea of revenge because it can feel as though we let our enemy off the hook. But right after we are asked not to take revenge, we are reminded to \u201cleave room for God\u2019s wrath\u201d (v 19).\u00a0<\/p>\n Do not forget that we serve a God who cares about justice. He cares about our tears, our suffering, and our wounds. He will not stand idle. When we choose to take revenge into our own hands, we are actually taking from God. God is our avenger; leave space for His working hand.\u00a0<\/p>\n Choosing self-control over revenge does not mean we have let someone get away with something. Rather, it shows our strength to trust in God to fight our battles. The rest of verse 19 says, \u201c\u2019It is mine to avenge; I will repay\u2019, says the Lord.\u201d Leave justice to God.\u00a0<\/p>\n When God asks us to refrain from revenge, He is not excusing bad behavior on behalf of the other party. He is not minimizing your pain or the issue at hand. He is simply saying to leave room for Him. He will handle it, my dear friend.\u00a0<\/p>\n Romans 12<\/a> continues to describe the anti-revenge plan to us in verse 20. It reads, \u201cOn the contrary: \u2018If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.\u2019 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Romans gives us God\u2019s alternative to revenge: kindness. Do not mistake kindness for weakness. Our deepest strength is displayed when we turn an evil situation into something good. We stop the evil that has been perpetrated against us in its tracks. We do not allow ourselves to be overcome by that evil. As Proverbs 25:20<\/a> says, when we choose kindness and generosity towards our enemies over revenge, God will reward us.\u00a0<\/p>\n When we choose kindness over revenge, we acknowledge God as our protector. God cares about whatever you are going through, and He wants to defend and protect you. When you feel tempted to take matters into your own hands, remember these Scriptures that describe God as our ultimate shield and protector:\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOur soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.\u201d Psalm 33:20<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me\u2026\u201d Psalm 28:7<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior\u2014from violent people you save me.\u201d 2 Samuel 22:3<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.\u201d Psalm 18:2<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cAs for God, his way is perfect: The LORD\u2019s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.\u201d Psalm 18:30<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cBut the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.\u201d 2 Thessalonians 3:3<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cBut You, O LORD, are a shield about me. My glory, and the One who lifts my head.\u201d Psalm 3:3<\/a><\/p>\n I love the imagery of God as my shield. He is there to take the arrows for me. He goes before me. He will sacrifice Himself for my protection. He is my Protector. When I desire revenge, I envision God as my shield, and I feel the space to be vulnerable and trust that He will keep me safe.\u00a0<\/p>\n Often, the sweet victory we imagine does not quite come. Revenge in our imagination can feel intoxicating. In practice, however, it can feel anticlimactic. Typically, revenge does not feel as good as we think it will feel. In fact, revenge only offers temporary relief at best. At worst, it makes us feel worse.\u00a0<\/p>\nWill They Just \u2018Get Away with It\u2019?<\/h2>\n
What Do I Do Instead?<\/h2>\n
What Will God Do When I Choose Kindness Over Revenge?<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s in It for Me?<\/h2>\n