Topical Bible: Revenge: Instead of Taking, we should Trust in God

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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 teaches that vengeance is not the prerogative of individuals but belongs to God alone. The Bible encourages believers to trust in God's justice and to respond to wrongdoing with love and forgiveness.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding God's perspective on revenge. In Deuteronomy 32:35, God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay." This statement underscores the belief that God is the ultimate judge and arbiter of justice. Human attempts at revenge are seen as usurping God's role and often lead to further sin and discord.

The wisdom literature also speaks to the futility and destructiveness 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 encourages patience and trust in God's timing and justice, rather than taking matters into one's own hands.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of trusting God instead of seeking revenge. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount provide a radical approach to dealing with enemies. In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus 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 non-retaliation and the power of love over vengeance.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Romans. In Romans 12:19, he 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.'" Paul encourages believers to overcome evil with good, trusting that God will address injustices in His perfect wisdom and timing.

Practical Application

The call to refrain from revenge and trust in God is not merely theoretical but has practical implications for daily life. Believers are encouraged to respond to offenses with forgiveness and love, reflecting the character of Christ. In Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."

Trusting in God instead of seeking revenge requires faith in His sovereignty and justice. It involves relinquishing control and believing that God will ultimately right all wrongs. This trust is not passive but active, as believers are called to pray for their enemies and seek reconciliation where possible.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on revenge is clear: it is not the responsibility of individuals to seek retribution. Instead, believers are called to trust in God's justice and respond to wrongdoing with love and forgiveness. By doing so, they reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate faith in God's ultimate plan for justice and redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 20:22
Say not you, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Higher Faith.
... was given into his hands, instead of taking the vengeance ... In a good man at least,
"revenge is," as Lord ... more comfortable if they had God's bond instead of his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the higher faith.htm

The Exile Continued.
... Instead of taking the contrast ... Thither fled to him his whole family, from fear, no
doubt, of Saul's revenge falling on them; and there he gathers his band ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.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

Satan's Devices
... as named among the Gentiles, in taking his father's ... full of pride, subtlety, malice,
envy, revenge, and all ... and blood into your hands, instead of remembering ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/satans devices.htm

Letter xiii. --To the Church at Nicomedia .
... now at any rate we pray to God, taking your prayer ... of time has brought about its
revenge," and Nicomedia ... men of ability and good life: but instead of selecting ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xiii to the church at.htm

The First Stages. Ch. 9:51 to 13:21
... followers of Christ for anger, for intolerance, or for revenge. ... a "stronger than
he," and was taking away his ... a matter of weariness and distaste, instead of a ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the first stages ch.htm

Concerning Peaceableness
... of weapon wherewith they are able to revenge themselves ... of Nicaea to end church
controversies, they having instead of that ... and was the occasion of the taking it ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/18 concerning peaceableness.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

Christian Meekness
... In taking up the sword he does not so much ... the spouse, she leaves it to her husband
to revenge. ... the people of Israel murmured against him, instead of falling ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

Luther's Separation from Rome.
... "Instead of torturing yourself on account of your sins ... A living faith was taking
the place of the dead ... opponents, burning with a desire for revenge, urged the ...
/.../7 luthers separation from rome.htm