When it comes to seeking vengeance for the wrong that is done to people I love and care about, I am a hot mess! Even when I am physically handicapped my thoughts can be so wicked! This last weekend God gave me a new perspective on the topic.
When the Lord said vengeance is mine, I will repay. He ultimately took out vengeance for me on Jesus. Vengeance, by definition, is punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong. If I wrong someone or hurt them Jesus has already paid for my sin? When someone wants to seek vengeance on me,
Jesus was already persecuted, beat up, whipped, spit on, mocked, humiliated, stabbed, falsely accused, betrayed, rejected, and murdered on my behalf. This list pretty much sums up everything someone would want to do when seeking vengeance.
I am embarrassed to think how mean I am towards others. Jesus has already had the life beaten out of Him for them. What a epic jerk I am to want to go after someone He died to free. I am telling Jesus that what He endured is not enough to pay their debt to me! All that he asks of me is to forgive and love them. He took not only the vengeance for their behavior BUT for me! There is no way I could survive if I was subject to the vengeance I had coming my way! I need to be quick to respond to what others do based on what Jesus endured not what they did!
Romans 12:14-21
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.
For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.
Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.