What other scriptures emphasize trusting God for justice instead of personal revenge? David’s Example: 1 Samuel 24:13 “As the old proverb says, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.” • David refuses to strike Saul even when he can. • He entrusts justice to the LORD instead of taking it himself. Threads Through the Law and Wisdom Writings • Leviticus 19:18 – “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” • Deuteronomy 32:35 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” • Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the LORD, and He will deliver you.” • Proverbs 24:29 – “Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.’” • Psalm 37:7-9 – “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways… Refrain from anger and abandon wrath… For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” Cries of the Prophets • Jeremiah 11:20 – “But, O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously and tests the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.” • Micah 7:7 – “But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” • Nahum 1:2 – “The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD takes vengeance and is filled with wrath…” Jesus’ Teaching on the Mount • Matthew 5:38-39 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person…” • Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Apostolic Instruction • Romans 12:17-21 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath…” • 1 Peter 2:23 – “When He was insulted, He did not retaliate… but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:15 – “Make sure that no one repays evil for evil, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.” • James 5:9 – “Do not complain, brothers… Look, the Judge is standing at the door!” Reasons to Leave Justice to God • He judges perfectly; our perspective is limited. • His timing is flawless; ours is impulsive. • He can redeem enemies; revenge only hardens hearts. • Trusting Him frees us from bitterness and aligns us with His character. Living It Out Today • Resist the urge to retaliate in word, post, or deed. • Hand the offense to the Lord, rehearsing His promises. • Do tangible good to the offender—serve, bless, speak kindly (Romans 12:20). • Meditate on passages that promise God’s righteous judgment. • Stay close to believers who will remind you of these truths when emotions run high. |
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