Topical Bible: Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Bless

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Topical Encyclopedia

Revenge, the act of retaliating or seeking retribution for a wrong suffered, is a concept that is addressed multiple times throughout the Bible. The Scriptures consistently teach that vengeance belongs to God alone and that believers are called to respond to wrongdoing with grace and blessing rather than retaliation.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the principle of justice is often summarized by the phrase "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (Exodus 21:24). This law, known as the Lex Talionis, was intended to limit retribution and ensure that punishment was proportional to the offense. However, it was not a mandate for personal revenge but rather a guideline for judicial fairness.

The wisdom literature and prophetic writings further emphasize the importance of leaving vengeance to God. Proverbs 20:22 advises, "Do not say, 'I will avenge this evil!' Wait on the LORD, and He will deliver you." Similarly, in Deuteronomy 32:35, God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay."

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament expands on the Old Testament teachings by calling believers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness. Jesus Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, directly addresses the issue of retaliation. In Matthew 5:38-39 , He states, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also."

The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in his epistle to the Romans. In Romans 12:17-21 , he writes, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ Himself exemplified the ultimate response to injustice and suffering. Despite being falsely accused, beaten, and crucified, He did not seek revenge. Instead, He prayed for His persecutors, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). His life and sacrifice serve as the perfect model for believers, demonstrating that true strength lies in forgiveness and love.

Practical Application

The call to bless rather than retaliate is not merely a passive acceptance of wrongdoing but an active choice to reflect God's love and mercy. Believers are encouraged to pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44) and to seek reconciliation and peace. This approach not only honors God but also has the potential to transform hearts and relationships.

In summary, the biblical perspective on revenge is clear: it is not the believer's role to seek retribution. Instead, Christians are called to trust in God's justice and to respond to offenses with grace, forgiveness, and blessing, following the example set by Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:14
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In what Sense we are to Leave the World
... censoriousness, evil surmising, proneness to revenge: While, on ... your being conscious
of it, instead of being ... that habit of denying yourself, and taking up your ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 81 in what sense.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... On the contrary, taking the principle, we judge when ... Our conduct, instead of being
selfish and revengeful ... A benevolent disposition casts out revenge as light ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 4.htm

Rom. xii. 14
... care of a child, as the head taking care of ... see is, himself having the pleasure of
revenge, this very ... being drawn onward by the lowly; ie instead of following ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxii rom xii 14.htm

Excerpts of Theodotus;
... of things, but are signs of what is taking place, and ... as in the Gospel, Eli, Eli,
[285] instead of my ... unless, being wronged, he takes no revenge; nor forbearing ...
/.../theodotus/excerpts of theodotus/excerpts of theodotus.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... that for me"that the way by which he is taking me tonight ... have lived by trusting
God for many years, and, instead of growing ... There are some that seek revenge. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

Matt. vi. 1
... instructing us to deprecate all conflicts, instead of rushing ... This do thou consider
as taking place with regard to ... for thee in the way of revenge, that thou ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xix matt vi 1.htm

A Call to Holy Living
... like lilies dropping sweet smelling myrrh, and instead of seeing ... for a Christian,
and all other revenge is denied ... God to cleanse his way, by taking heed there ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a call to holy living.htm

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
... yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!" These are ... of righteousness is represented by
the taking away of ... all unrighteousness" and receive instead "the righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter v the way from.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... They are taking care when they should be casting ... The wicked, instead of improving
their deliverance for God's ... be unchaste; to another take revenge; to another ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Outward Bound
... but in the morning, bearing with the Revenge, was hunted ... Pico, some fifty miles away,
was taking his morning ... were scattered before the door, instead of buckies ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter i outward bound.htm