How can we avoid harboring "vengeance" like Edom in our own lives? Edom’s Warning—Ezekiel 25:12 “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Because Edom took vengeance against the house of Judah and incurred grievous guilt by revenge…’ Recognize the Roots of Vengeance • Hurt pride (Obadiah 1:3) • Unforgiven offense (Hebrews 12:15) • Fear of appearing weak (James 4:1–2) Vengeance begins long before the outward act; it starts as a hidden bitterness that feels justified. Remember God’s Exclusive Right to Repay • “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19) • The Judge of all the earth always does right (Genesis 18:25) When we assume His role, we both distrust His justice and invite His discipline (Proverbs 20:22). Release the Offense Quickly • “Do not let the sun set upon your anger” (Ephesians 4:26) • “Forgive, as the LORD forgave you” (Colossians 3:13) Practical steps: – Name the hurt before God. – Choose to forgive by faith, not by feeling. – Refuse to rehearse the wrong in thought or conversation. Respond with Active Blessing • “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) • “If your enemy is hungry, feed him” (Romans 12:20) Obedient action softens the heart and starves the desire for pay-back. Rest in God’s Final Verdict • “He will bring to light what is hidden” (1 Corinthians 4:5) • The coming judgment assures that no injustice is overlooked (Revelation 20:11–12). Confidence in His future reckoning frees us to live peacefully now (Psalm 37:7–9). Rehearse Christ’s Example • “When He suffered, He did not threaten, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23). Remembering the cross—where our own offenses were forgiven—kills the craving to retaliate against others. Review Checklist for the Heart □ Am I replaying the injury in my mind? □ Have I prayed blessing over the offender today? □ Can I speak of the incident without anger flaring? □ Have I left the matter entirely in God’s hands? Refusing vengeance is not weakness; it is trust—trust in the infallible, literal Word of God and in the perfect character of the One who gave it. |
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