Topical Encyclopedia Revenge, the act of retaliating or seeking retribution for a wrong suffered, is a concept addressed multiple times in the Bible. The Scriptures consistently counsel against taking personal vengeance, urging believers to trust in God's justice and to respond with grace and forgiveness.Biblical Teaching on Revenge The Bible explicitly instructs believers to refrain from seeking revenge. In Romans 12:19 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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.'" This passage underscores the principle that vengeance belongs to God alone. By relinquishing the desire for personal retribution, believers demonstrate trust in God's righteous judgment. Old Testament Insights The Old Testament also addresses the issue of revenge. In Deuteronomy 32:35 , God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay." This statement is a reminder that God is the ultimate judge and arbiter of justice. The Law of Moses, while allowing for justice through legal means, discouraged personal vendettas. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." New Testament Perspective The New Testament further develops the theme of refraining from revenge. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, teaches a radical approach to dealing with wrongs. In Matthew 5:38-39 , He says, "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 someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." This teaching emphasizes the importance of responding to wrongdoing with humility and love rather than retaliation. Giving Place to Wrath The concept of "giving place to wrath" involves allowing God to handle justice in His time and way. It requires believers to exercise patience and self-control, trusting that God will address wrongs according to His perfect will. This approach is not passive but is an active choice to surrender personal rights to God, who is both just and merciful. Practical Application In practical terms, giving place to wrath means choosing forgiveness over bitterness and seeking reconciliation rather than revenge. It involves praying for those who have wronged us, as Jesus instructed in Matthew 5:44 : "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." By doing so, believers reflect the character of Christ and become instruments of His peace. The Role of the Church The church community plays a vital role in supporting individuals who struggle with the desire for revenge. Through teaching, encouragement, and accountability, the church helps believers to live out the biblical mandate to forgive and to trust in God's justice. The church also serves as a witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls for love and forgiveness in the face of wrongdoing. Conclusion The biblical teaching on revenge is clear: believers are called to resist the urge to retaliate and to trust in God's justice. By giving place to wrath, Christians demonstrate their faith in God's sovereignty and their commitment to living out the principles of love and forgiveness taught by Jesus. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, said the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Rom. xii. 14 Christian Meekness 1 Thessalonians v. 12, 13 Matt. vi. 1 On the Return of Flavian the Bishop, and the Reconciliation of the ... Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount A Call to Holy Living Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. 1 Cor. xvi. 10 Sunday after Ascension Day Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about grudges? | GotQuestions.org How and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org Revenge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Revenge: Be Thankful for Being Kept from Taking Revenge: Christ an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Forbidden by Our Lord Revenge: Inconsistent With Christian Spirit Revenge: Inconsistent With the Will of Christ Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Bless Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exercise Forbearance Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Exhibit Love Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Give Place to Wrath Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Overcome Others by Kindness Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Trust in God Revenge: Jesus an Example of Forbearing Revenge: Keep Others from Taking Revenge: Proceeds from a Spiteful Heart Revenge: The Wicked are Earnest After Related Terms |
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