We have all been wronged at one point or another by either a friend, a family member or even a a stranger. Our instincts drive us to react in a worldly manner often making the situation worse. This message provides biblical ways to get even with those who did us wrong…
Bitterness, discord and anxiety are all destructive feeling associated with revenge. These feeling are not only overwhelming, they are at the root of evil. The only way to cope with such troubling feelings is to avoid them all together. To avoid the feeling that come with revenge, we must eliminate the concept of revenge all together.
I have been faced with countless situations where revenge seemed to be the only way to get even with those who offended me. Consumed by bitterness, I plotted many revengeful ventures in an attempt to settle a score. Looking back I am now able to realize each venture came at a price which resulted in a hardened heart and, valuable time I will never get back.
What does the bible say about revenge? About our enemies? About those who do us wrong? The answer is found in the books of Luke and Matthew where Jesus Christ shares specific instructions how we are to deal with wrong doing.
“27 But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27-36)
“38 You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42)
It is wise to train ourselves to be merciful just as God is merciful toward us. Going against our natural instincts is not an easy task but it is the only way we can overcome the feelings associated with a revengeful nature.
Because we have been given and forgiven by God Himself, we are commanded to give and forgive. Because we have already received many blessings, we are called to give back and do so with a loving heart. Failure to lovingly follow God’s commands inevitably results in bitterness, discord and anxiety.
The only way to successfully get even with those who wrong us is to leave room for God’s wrath. Proof of this is found in Proverbs and the book of Romans where the bible speaks of our Lord’s judgment over those who do wrong. By doing good we overcome evil.
“21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.” (Proverbs 25:21-22)
“17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 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.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21)
We are all born with instincts that too often dictate our responses to other people’s actions. Through spiritual cleansing we allow ourselves to rely on God’s wrath rather than the consuming feelings that are attached with revenge.
Trust in the Lord your God and rely on Him for vengeance. Let God’s love shine through you as you collect your blessings on earth while your heavenly rewards amount accordingly.
Are you struggling with revenge or do you know someone who is a slave to the saying “an eye for an eye”? I invite you to call on this ministry for help with this age old issue. Through the mercy of God and the magnificence of His vengeance over evil, no believer needs to suffer from the debts of revenge. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your forgiveness in our sins
And for your inspiration in our lives,
We thank you for your all mightiness
And for your strong hand that directs our footsteps.
Lord father we ask that you keep us strong in times of temptation
And pray that you will surround us with people
Who care enough to honor you through us
By helping us remember where we failed you.
We pray you will inspire us to turn the other cheek
As we hold fast against evil,
As we deny our instincts of revenge
Following your commands.
God please continue to look over us
And provide all we need to serve you,
And fulfill our mission in this life
So we can rejoice with you in the next.
God we thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
