Topical Bible: Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exercise Forbearance

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Topical Encyclopedia

Revenge, the act of retaliating or seeking retribution for a wrong suffered, is a concept that appears throughout the Bible. However, Scripture consistently counsels against taking revenge, urging believers to exercise forbearance and leave justice in the hands of God.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament law, while providing a framework for justice, also introduces the principle of forbearance. Leviticus 19:18 instructs, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This command underscores the importance of love and forgiveness over personal vengeance.

The account of Joseph is a profound example of forbearance. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph refrains from seeking revenge when he rises to power in Egypt. Instead, he forgives them, recognizing God's providential hand in his circumstances (Genesis 50:19-21).

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament further emphasizes the folly of revenge. Proverbs 20:22 advises, "Do not say, 'I will avenge this evil!' Wait on the LORD, and He will deliver you." This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's justice rather than taking matters into one's own hands.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament reinforces and expands upon the Old Testament's teachings on revenge. Jesus Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, calls His followers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness. 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, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." This radical call to non-retaliation exemplifies the forbearance expected of believers.

The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in his epistle to the Romans. Romans 12:17-19 instructs, "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.'" Paul emphasizes that vengeance belongs to God, and believers are called to live peaceably and trust in His righteous judgment.

The Example of Christ

The ultimate example of forbearance is found in Jesus Christ Himself. Despite suffering unjustly at the hands of sinners, He did not retaliate. 1 Peter 2:23 describes His response: "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Christ's forbearance in the face of suffering serves as the model for all believers.

Practical Application

In practical terms, exercising forbearance involves a conscious decision to forgive and release the desire for personal retribution. It requires a deep trust in God's sovereignty and justice, believing that He will ultimately right all wrongs. This attitude not only aligns with biblical teachings but also fosters peace and reconciliation in personal relationships and communities.

By choosing forbearance over revenge, believers demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and reflect the character of Christ to a watching world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 5:38-41
You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sunday after Ascension Day
... taking one drink too much, or of taking a stimulant ... Thus we become enemies to one
another instead of to ... Again, true love does not pale with hatred and revenge. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after ascension day.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... cruelest and harshest of men, yet upon taking a survey ... too, inasmuch as thou hast
taken thy revenge; and not ... for that word, lying upon his mouth instead of a ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

Colossians iii. 17
... enemies those works of hatred and revenge which in ... well believe; and a general election,
instead of calling ... system, as harmonizing with them, or taking them up ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxix colossians iii 17.htm

Letter cxxxiii. (AD 412. )
... rather that justice be satisfied without the taking of their ... fell at length a victim
to their revenge when a ... the office and work of teaching, instead of being ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxiii a d 412.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... These have their origin in that revenge of which Paul ... so much so, that some good
men taking offense at ... of the brothers, when Jacob was selected instead of Esau ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... occasion enough to employ it, neither in taking care for ... of oaths; but by what means
shall we infallibly know ... last thing to be considered, is revenge and war ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... and thou wilt do as Naaman the Syrian, despise, instead of obeying ... 'By taking heed
thereto ... The treasure that here our Lord commands we should with diligence lay ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... who interrupted the debate; all attempts at taking notes were ... the purgation of Felix
after instead of before ... he deprecates any spirit of revenge, and pleads ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... about their denying of themselves, their taking up their ... is so abused, and made to
exercise its force ... with mortal flesh); not for that we should be unclothed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Conditions of Being Saved
... maintained such a spirit of resistance and revenge, that they ... But taking Christ's
yoke as it really is, it ... Doing the will of Christ, instead of their own, is a ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/x conditions of being saved.htm